Chennai ground to a halt on Monday when the low‑pressure system left by Cyclone Ditwah over the Bay of Bengal unleashed nonstop rain across the city. The heavy showers flooded main roads, knocked down trees, disrupted traffic and swamped several neighbourhoods, prompting officials to strongly advise people to stay indoors. On Greenways Road, dozens of trees were uprooted and at least three cars were damaged; fire and rescue crews had to clear sizable debris. Traffic in the area was stopped until police cleared a limited flow.
City‑wide, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) said there were widespread disruptions: arteries, subways and underpasses were flooded within hours, turning key corridors into hazardous, waterlogged zones. With most underpasses closed, officers warned motorists not to risk crossing any submerged stretch. South‑Chennai commuters were hit hard, as the Sholinganallur–Medavakkam Road became completely impassable, forcing travellers to detour via OMR. In the north, the Manali–Thiruvottiyur stretch was cut off by waist‑deep water, stopping all vehicle movement. Major junctions such as Madhya Kailash, as well as pockets like North Boag Road, experienced severe waterlogging and gridlock, with Tambaram and surrounding suburbs left stranded for hours.
Residential areas faced repeated flooding: Ambattur, Avadi, Virugambakkam, Vadapalani, and Iyyappanthangal reported rising water levels, with residents blaming inadequate storm‑water drainage. In heavily hit zones like Mugalivakkam, traffic police were fully posted, yet vehicles still struggled through deep rain‑filled pools. Authorities suggested commuters stick to relatively unaffected stretches, such as Anna Salai and Poonamallee High Road. Meanwhile, the Chennai Metro Rail kept running normally between the Airport and Central, offering a safer travel alternative. Access to Marina Beach was closed because the rough seas and high waves generated by the depression made it unsafe.
With forecasts of continued heavy rain through the night, the GCTP urged residents to keep up with real‑time updates on its social media, especially X (@ChennaiTraffic), and to heed all safety instructions.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
