The denizens of Chennai can now look forward to respite from the incessant rain. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, Chennai would get one or two spells of moderate to intense rainfall in days to come. “But there is a trough of low pressure lying over Sri lanka and the south-west bay of Tamil Nadu coast. This could lead to widespread rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu and scattered rainfall over interior rainfall,” said S Balachandran, director, IMD, Chennai.
He said Chennai received 160 cm rainfall from October 1, 2015 to December 8, 8.30 am. “This is 130 per cent more than the normal rainfall which Chennai receives. Chennai receives 70 cm rainfall during normal periods,” said Balachandran. He also said that Tamil Nadu received 64 per cent more rainfall during the same period. The North East Monsoon lasts till December 31.
Southern Tamil Nadu, especially districts like Tirunelveli, Tiruchirappalli and Kanyakumari and neighbouring Puducherry are still under the spell of heavy rain. Flood alerts have been issued in Tirunelveli and Kanyakumari districts.
Power and telecommunication services were restored in some areas of Chennai by Tuesday evening. Tamil Nadu government has announced a massive reconstruction and rehabilitation programme for those who suffered loss of property due to the recent floods. For persons who lost their hutments in parts of the city other than those along the rivers, safe houses would be built and handed over to them by the government, according to a statement issued by the chief minister. Farmers who lost their cash crops and irrigated crops too would be compensated suitably, said the chief minister.
The DlF IT Park in Chennai witnessed tense moments as the security guards did not allow the employees of certain companies to enter the premises. A heavy police pose has been posted at the entrance to the Park where nearly 30,000 employees work on three shifts. “Most of the companies operating from here have been flooded and hence shut down. Power supply as well as communication facilities are yet to be restored,” said a senior police official supervising the bandobust.
Despite the floods which ravaged most of Chennai, The Madras Music Academy’s month -long Margazhi Music and Dance Festival will commence on December 15. This was announced by a spokesman of the MMA when asked about the decision by some of the lead musicians like Bombay Jayashri and Sudha Raghuath not to perform during the Chennai Margazhi Festival this time due to the rainfall and flood.