Chennai, 17 Oct (H.S.):

Heavy overnight showers left several low-lying areas of Chennai waterlogged, prompting the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to intensify drain cleaning, inspect pumping facilities and deploy teams to vulnerable locations on Saturday.

The city recorded an average rainfall of 3.42 cm in the 24 hours ending at 6 am on October 17. Showers that began on Friday evening continued across several neighbourhoods, with northern parts recording some of the highest rainfall totals.

According to the corporation’s cumulative rainfall report, seven locations received heavy rain, while 41 recorded moderate showers and 14 experienced light rain.

Perambur topped the rainfall chart with 8.79 cm, followed by Madhavaram with 8.70 cm, Mullai Nagar with 8.06 cm and Manali New Town with 7.44 cm. Meenambakkam received 6.36 cm, Thiruvottiyur 6.21 cm, Kathivakkam 5.43 cm and Nungambakkam 4.68 cm.

GCC Commissioner G S Sameeran inspected the Aranganathan Subway and reviewed water collection sumps, pump rooms and stormwater drains in Saidapet on Friday evening as part of preparedness measures.

In north Chennai, the regional deputy commissioner inspected water stagnation on 18th Street in B V Colony, Vyasarpadi, along with civic officials.

Regional Deputy Commissioner Aftab Rasool inspected tree-pruning operations on D G S Dinakaran Road in the Adyar zone, where workers trimmed 60 trees overnight.

He also reviewed road patchwork, stormwater drain construction, cleaning, side-road restoration and the removal of accumulated silt and debris on Arcot Road.

Meanwhile, a dedicated team was deployed on Besant Road in the Teynampet zone to desilt catch pits and clear debris from stormwater drains. The stretch has been identified as vulnerable to recurring waterlogging.

Regional Deputy Commissioner (Central) H R Kaushik reviewed the measures as teams continued clearing drainage channels.

The sustained rainfall also raised water levels in the catchment areas of lakes across the city, alongside the corporation’s continuing precautionary operations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman