15 hrs ago

Dry September Forecast Does Not Rule Out Chennai Flooding

Weather experts expect September to be drier than usual in Chennai and much of India.

But this does not mean Chennai cannot flood.

A whole month may have little rain while one powerful storm drops a huge amount in a few hours.

That much water can overwhelm drains and flood low-lying areas.

Flooding can also stop transportation and disrupt important services.

The Greater Chennai Corporation is cleaning drains and preparing emergency systems.

Officials are also checking whether canals and waterways can carry extra water.

The city will be tested when the first major spell of northeast monsoon rain arrives.

A dry forecast should therefore bring preparation, not complacency.

Key facts

September forecast: The India Meteorological Department predicts below-normal rainfall over India.
Chennai outlook: Chennai and parts of Tiruvallur district could also receive below-normal rainfall.
Main flood risk: A large volume of rain falling within a few hours can cause severe flooding.
Potential impacts: Intense rain can overwhelm stormwater drains, inundate low-lying neighbourhoods and disrupt transport and essential services.
City preparations: Greater Chennai Corporation is carrying out stormwater-drain work and desilting operations.
Emergency readiness: The corporation is also making emergency-response arrangements ahead of the northeast monsoon.
Key test: The city’s preparedness will be tested by its first major spell of rain.

deccanchronicle.com · 16 hrs ago