No fatalities reported as heavy rain leaves parts of Chennai waterlogged, says GCC

The Minister said additional teams had been mobilised until October 21, as further rain was expected

Updated - October 18, 2026 04:35 pm IST - Chennai

Minister for Public Works and Sports Development, Aadhav Arjuna, inspects the monitoring activities at the Integrated Command and Control Center, following the heavy rains in the Greater Chennai Corporation areas, with Corporation Commissioner G. S. Sameeran and Joint Commissioner (Works) S. Saravanan, in the Ripon Building premises at around 1.30 a.m. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

No rain-related fatalities or major accidents were reported in Chennai despite exceptionally heavy rainfall, with more than 15,000 personnel deployed overnight to clear waterlogging and carry out rescue operations, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) said on Sunday (October 18, 2026).

Minister for Public Works and Sports Development Aadhav Arjuna, speaking to reporters at around 1.30 a.m. on Sunday (October 18, 2026) after reviewing operations at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at Ripon Buildings, said parts of north Chennai, including Broadway and Mannadi, had experienced intense rainfall, resulting in water stagnation in low-lying areas.

He said around 20 cm of rain had been recorded in an hour at some locations. Water was being drained using motor pumps and pump sets, with levels receding in parts of Tiruvottiyur, Mannadi and Madhavaram. However, water remained along a 100-metre stretch between Broadway and Mannadi, at a depth of around 1.5 feet.

The Minister said additional teams had been mobilised until October 21, as further rain was expected. More than 100 personnel from the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Response Force were also deployed, while senior officials and Ministers monitored field operations.

According to the GCC, 650 motor pumps and tractor-mounted pumps were deployed, alongside one National Disaster Response Force team and four Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force teams.

All 22 subway underpasses had been cleared and reopened to traffic by 6 a.m. on Sunday. Nine relief centres were opened, and food was distributed to residents in low-lying areas. The Corporation said water had been cleared from major bus routes and most affected streets, with pumping continuing in a few locations.

The Minister advised residents to exercise caution while travelling and avoid playing in stagnant water, particularly near electrical equipment.

Published - October 18, 2026 01:25 pm IST

weather / weather news / Chennai / Tamil Nadu

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