Chennai rains and Mumbai rains is a not so ordinary tale of two cities with Monsoon at the center of it. While Mumbai was pounded with heavy rains during Southwest Monsoon; Chennai continues to reel under rain-fueled flood conditions due to the Northeast Monsoon.
Roads were flooded, thousands displaced, rainfall records were shattered, and the plight of these two cities resonated across the country. It wasn’t the best of times, but the worst of times in every way. These were really tough times, as the residents of Mumbai and Chennai dealt with intruding flood water beneath their feet, and furious Monsoon rains above their head.
We take a look at seven points revolving around Chennai rains and Mumbai rains, which are instrumental in establishing a comparative analysis of these two cities, during two separate Monsoons.
Chennai rains and Mumbai rains: Months of rainfall fury
Rain Gods unleashed their fury on Mumbai during the month of June this year. June 2015 brought extremely heavy rain over a short period of time to the city that never sleeps. Meanwhile, for Chennai, November turned out to be a record wet month as multiple thunderstorms submerged most parts of the city.
Maximum rainfall in 24 hours’ time
On June 20, 2015, Mumbai recorded 283 mm of rain in just 24 hours. The city then went on to record 789 mm rainfall in just five days. Chennai too recorded a whopping 265 mm of rain in 24 hours on November 16. The capital of Tamil Nadu had recorded 1046 mm of rain, as on November 23, 2015.
Surpassing the monthly average
Mumbai surpassed its monthly rainfall normal of 523 mm for June with 10 days to go. Meanwhile, Chennai surpassed its monthly average rainfall figure of 407 mm for November with 20 days left in the month.
Crossing 1000 mm rainfall mark
Mumbai city crossed the 1000 mm rainfall mark in June this year with 7 days left in the month. Interestingly, Chennai too crossed the 1000 mm mark in November this year with around 7 days to go.
Chennai rains and Mumbai rains flooding scenario
Rain water flooding spared neither of the two cities this year. Mumbai and Chennai were both inundated with flood water as the residents continued to move to safer shores. Boats replaced cars in Chennai whereas Mumbai was almost paralyzed as submerged vehicles reflected the seriousness of the situation. Food prices shot up in both cities while schools and colleges also remained closed.
Chennai rains and Mumbai rains: Death toll due to flooding
Two deaths were reported during Mumbai rains as rescue and relief operations continued in full swing. However, the death toll during Chennai rains had already crossed 100, as on November 23, 2015. Thus, Monsoon rains in Chennai turned out to be more deadly, as compared to Mumbai.
All-time monthly rainfall average
Mumbai recorded 1117.4 mm of rain in June, 2015. The city surpassed its all-time monthly rainfall record of 1037.1 mm, dating back to 1971. Chennai has received 1046 mm of rain in November, as on November 23, 2015. With a week to go in the month, the city is likely to cross its all-time monthly rainfall record of 1088 mm.
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