3 dead as heavy rains batter Chennai, red alert issued

Heavy to very heavy rains pounded Chennai and the suburbs on Thursday, inundating roads and subways. Three people were killed in rain-related incidents, according to officials

It was a repeat of scenes witnessed here last month as motorists struggled to manoeuvre their vehicles on flooded roads and subways while showers led to traffic congestion in the city and suburbs.

The intense spell may turn out to be one of the heaviest witnessed in recent years, while police said three subways were closed and in view of inundation and traffic moved at a snail's pace in at least 14 arterial city thoroughfares.

Greater Chennai Corporation said that over 145 pumps were used to de-clog inundated locations.

Also watch: Heavy rains continue to lash Chennai, intensity to reduce from Sunday predict weather experts

Metrorail authorities said services were extended by an hour from 11 PM onwards in view of rains so as to help passengers reach their destinations safely.

Starting from noon, most areas in the city and suburbs began receiving rainfall and it was heavy to very heavy in several locations.

Isolated heavy to very rainfall activity is likely to continue over north coastal Tamil Nadu and adjoining areas of south coastal Andhra Pradesh during next three days and decrease thereafter, the IMD said.