Chennai and its neighboring districts faced heavy rainfall on Tuesday, resulting in significant flooding, traffic chaos, and disruptions in essential services. The deluge overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure, leaving many residents stranded.
According to Deccan Herald, superstar Rajinikanth’s luxurious villa in the iconic Poes Garden area also suffered inundation, with flood-like conditions evident on the premises. Pictures and videos of the floods are going viral on social media, showcasing the severity of the situation.
The heavy rains caused the city’s drainage system to fail, worsening the crisis. Municipal officials have launched emergency measures to drain water around Rajinikanth’s residence and are actively monitoring the situation to minimize damage.
While Rajinikanth has not yet made a public statement, reports suggest he is taking all necessary precautions to safeguard his home. This flooding marks a repeat incident; a similar situation occurred during Cyclone Michhong in 2023.
The Southern Railway cancelled four express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysore Cauvery Express, due to waterlogging. Many trains were diverted or stopped before reaching Chennai Central railway station, and several domestic flights were also cancelled.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts more rain over the next two days, with a well-marked low-pressure area likely to develop into a depression. The IMD has warned of “heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls at one or two locations” in Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Chengalpattu, and Chennai.
In response, Tamil Nadu declared a holiday for schools, colleges, and government offices in the affected districts, except for essential services. Disaster response teams are on standby, with 219 boats ready for deployment.
Officials advise residents to stay indoors and avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. The Chennai Corporation has set up a 24-hour control room to address rain-related complaints. To ensure safety, authorities have suspended power supply in waterlogged areas.