Chennai Rains: Superstar Rajinikanth's home flooded amid heavy downpour, schools closed across six districts

Chennai is grappling with severe waterlogging due to heavy rainfall from the northeast monsoon. Rajinikanth’s luxurious villa in the posh locality of Poes Garden, a landmark in the city, has been inundated. The incessant rains have led to water entering the premises, with visuals on social media showcasing the flooding. This situation has arisen as the intensity of the downpour has overwhelmed the city’s drainage system.

Emergency Responses in Poes Garden
Civic authorities have quickly initiated emergency measures to pump out the water around Rajinikanth’s residence. His staff members are also closely monitoring the situation, ensuring that flooding is managed with minimal damage. “Rajinikanth is taking all necessary steps for household safety by taking appropriate precautions,” according to reports. However, he has yet to publicly address the flooding issue.

Citywide Impact of Monsoon Rains
The challenges are not limited to Rajinikanth’s home; the entire Poes Garden area, known for its high-security residences of celebrities, industrialists, and lawyers, has witnessed similar issues. As heavy rainfall persists, the city is experiencing widespread waterlogging, disrupted transport, and flooding in low-lying areas. “Chennai wakes up to chaos after overnight rainfall,” highlighted reports as residents navigate knee-deep waters in several parts of the city.

Official Alerts and Precautions
In response to the ongoing rain, the Chennai Corporation has established a helpline number, 1913, to assist residents. Additionally, the government has declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, and Chengalpattu districts on October 16, 2024, to ensure the safety of students. The Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority has also provided a helpline (1070) for emergencies, along with WhatsApp contact options (9445869848) for information about relief centers and flood volunteers.

Meteorological Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced the onset of the northeast monsoon over Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and reported that the southwest monsoon has completely withdrawn. A bulletin noted that the weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to further consolidate into a depression and move towards the north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining south Andhra Pradesh coasts by October 17. The IMD warned of "extremely heavy rainfall" expected on October 16, advising residents to stay vigilant.

Transportation Disruptions
The heavy downpour has disrupted various modes of transportation in the city. Several bus services have been affected, and the Southern Railway announced the cancellation of four express trains, including the Chennai Central-Mysuru Kaveri Express, due to waterlogging. Some domestic flights were also canceled due to low passenger turnout amid the chaos.

Residents are encouraged to remain informed through the TN Alert App and other official channels to monitor weather updates and transportation schedules. As Chennai braces for further rain, the community is urged to prioritize safety and follow guidelines issued by local authorities.