Schools in Chennai closed as city braces for heavy rains

At least five people were killed in the coastal state after the north east monsoon dumped heavy showers, leading to severe flooding.

Schools in Chennai and two other districts were ordered closed on Wednesday as vast swathes of Tamil Nadu braced for more rains amid widespread flooding triggered by heavy showers over the past two days.

A view of a flooded locality following heavy rains due to the onset of northeast monsoon in Chennai. (PTI Photo)

At least five people were killed in the coastal state after the north east monsoon dumped heavy showers, leading to severe flooding and raising memories of a massive deluge that pummelled Chennai two years ago.

After easing on Tuesday, the rains returned on Wednesday even as the weatherman predicted heavy showers during the day.

Officials said schools were asked to remain closed for the second consecutive day in Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur districts due to water logging.

The government, however, said allayed fears of a repeat of the 2015 floods, assuring people that the state was well-prepared this time.

The rain, which began on Monday morning, saw massive water-logging in the capital, sparking traffic snarls as people were forced to walk through waist-deep water to reach their places of work.

The rain filled up catchment areas of Chennai’s reservoirs – Poondi lake, Cholavaram lake, Redhills lake and Chembarapakkam lake – which provide drinking water to the city.