Updated on December 02, 2015: Heavy rain continues to cause major flood threat over many areas in Chennai. Around 29,000 cusecs of water has been released into River Adyar. This resulted in flooding in the slums of Adyar, Saidapet, and Kotturpuram. Around 3600 people were rescued from flooded evening until last evening. Many residents of the region have now been left homeless.
Updated on December 01, 2015: After releasing 5000 cusecs of water from Chembarambakkam lake, the government has once again released another 20,000 cusecs of water into River Adyar. This has increased flood threat in areas along the Adyar River. Residents living in these areas have been warned to move to safer places. This is the highest amount of water released from the reservoir in several years.
Story First Published on November 20, 2015: A fresh flood threat looms large over Chennai as authorities have discharged 5000 cusecs of water from the overflowing Chembarambakkam Lake. The released water is likely to submerge nearby low-lying areas.
Chennai continues to reel under flood-like conditions after a considerably long spell of extreme heavy rainfall in the region. Chennai floods have forced more than 70,000 people into relief camps so far.
However, the intensity of rain over Chennai and adjoining regions has gone down now. But with the reservoir water flowing towards low-lying regions in the city, authorities have issued a warning for the same. More displacement is likely to take place as people move to higher grounds.
In addition to this, the forecast for Chennai rains isn’t encouraging either. Although only on and off rain showers are likely today, good rains are expected to lash the city between November 22 and 23. This will further aggravate the Chennai floods situation.
Relief and rescue efforts in the region are in full place. Recent developments on Chennai rains reveal that Chief Minister Jayalalitha has asked for help from the central government. The Indian Armed Forces are working in close co-operation with local authorities and have rescued hundreds who were left stranded after heavy rains turned roads to rivers in Chennai.
Several shocking images of Chennai rains were shared on Twitter and other social media platforms. The death toll due to Chennai rains has already crossed 100. As Northeast Monsoon continues to take its toll on Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas, the water from Chembarambakkam Lake will only make matters worse for the state capital.
(Featured Image Credit: blogs.wsj.com)