Chennai: Diwali celebrations in Chennai were marred by heavy rainfall on Monday, causing widespread waterlogging across the city and major disruptions to travel. Continuous downpours over the past two days have inundated streets and airport runways, with areas such as Velachery, Medavakkam, Pallikaranai, and Neelankarai along East Coast Road (ECR) particularly affected. Commuters in low-lying neighborhoods struggled with knee-deep water, while overflowing drains further aggravated the situation. Authorities have urged residents to exercise caution as intermittent showers are expected to continue through the day.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast moderate rain with thunderstorms over Chennai, Chengalpattu, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Puducherry, Karaikal, and adjoining districts, with continued rainfall predicted along the coastal belt of Tamil Nadu through October 22. The Nilgiris region also faced disruptions, with train services on the Nilgiri Mountain Railway suspended after landslides blocked tracks between Kallar and Coonoor, highlighting the broader impact of heavy rainfall on transport infrastructure. Coastal and delta districts, including Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, and Villupuram, also reported heavy showers since Sunday, affecting normal life.

Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the situation and directed authorities to move people in vulnerable low-lying and coastal areas to safer locations. Relief preparedness has been ramped up, with the Greater Chennai Corporation increasing the number of relief centres from 116 to 215. The IMD has also warned of a low-pressure area forming over the southeast Bay of Bengal, expected to intensify into a deep depression and bring widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu in the coming days. Officials have assured that precautionary measures are in place, and most harvested crops have already been safely stored to minimize losses.