Flooding: Chennai subways, roads closed for traffic

The Puducherry government has declared a 2-day holiday for schools, colleges

NT Correspondent

Chennai: Streets in Chennai remained flooded with rain water as incessant rains continued Sunday. Movement of roads and transport services in Chennai were hit as residents in the city and suburbs grapple with inundation as many roads and subways were closed for traffic. Reservoirs have also been releasing surplus amount of water as rains continue to lash the southern state.

Roads and bylanes in the city and suburban neighbourhoods including Rajamannar Salai in KK Nagar brimmed with flood water, while subways, including the Madley and Rangarajapuram, were closed for traffic. Water logging upto one foot was seen in most locations and road margins, including the arterial GST Road, while pathways in a few areas like Madipakkam and Peerkankaranai remained two feet in water. Owing to continued moisture, residents are troubled with increasing insects while vacant plots serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. An advisory issued by city police said traffic from Medavakkam to Sholinganallur has been restricted and diverted via the Kamakshi Memorial Hospital route. At Valasaravakkam, traffic was closed at the Thiruvallur Salai point and diverted towards Keshavardhani to reach Arcot Road.

Traffic was closed from Vani Mahal to Benz Park Hotel points and diverted towards Habibullah Road and Raghavaiah road. In order to drain water at Anna Main Road in front of the K K Nagar Hospital, traffic towards Udhayam Theatre junction has been allowed in the opposite direction.

Similarly, at Udhayam junction, heavy vehicles proceeding from the Kasi point and towards Anna Main Road has been diverted towards Ashok Pillar.

Reservoirs, including Poondi and Chembarambakkam here that cater to the drinking water needs of Chennai, released over 10,500 cusecs of surplus water, authorities said. From October 1 to November 28, Chennai received 109.76 cm rainfall while 61.16 cm is normal. The numbers show an excess inflow of 79 per cent, according to Regional Meteorological Centre’s report. For help, people may call the 24 x 7 toll free number 1070 (State-level control room in Chennai) or 1077, the number for control centres in districts.  -(PTI)