Chennai Heavy Rain: Vadapalani Records 132.9 mm; Schools Closed, GCC Receives 1,212 Complaints

Chennai witnessed heavy overnight rainfall on October 21, 2026, causing waterlogging in several neighbourhoods and disrupting morning commutes. According to the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC), the city recorded an average rainfall of 70.25 mm in the 24 hours ending at 6 am.

Vadapalani, Saidapet and Alandur received some of the highest rainfall totals. In response to the persistent rain, schools in Chennai were declared closed, while civic authorities intensified drainage operations and deployed additional pumps to clear stagnant water.

Chennai Rainfall Report: Top Affected Areas

According to the GCC`s Integrated Command and Control Centre, Vadapalani recorded the highest rainfall at 132.9 mm, followed by Saidapet at 125.2 mm and Alandur at 119.4 mm.

Other areas that received heavy rainfall included Madipakkam (114.6 mm), Maduravoyal (112.5 mm), Valasaravakkam (109.6 mm), Nungambakkam (106.8 mm), Adyar (104.1 mm) and Korattur (96 mm).

In northern Chennai, Ennore recorded 39 mm, Kargil Nagar received 30 mm and Thiruvottiyur registered 22.8 mm.

Chennai Schools Holiday Due to Heavy Rain

GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran announced that schools in Chennai had been declared closed due to persistent rainfall. Additional water pumps were deployed near school zones as a precautionary measure.

Officials also monitored subways and vulnerable locations to minimise traffic disruptions and ensure the safety of residents.

GCC Deploys Pumps to Clear Waterlogging

AGS Colony emerged as a major waterlogging hotspot, with three 100 HP motors deployed to pump out accumulated rainwater. Additional teams and high-capacity pumps were mobilised across affected areas.

As of 5 am on October 21, the GCC had received 1,212 complaints, mainly related to waterlogging and inundation. More than 50 complaints involved fallen trees and non-functional streetlights.

The corporation said most waterlogging and tree-fall complaints had been cleared. Streetlight repairs were directed to be completed within 24 hours, with complaints closed only after field engineers uploaded before-and-after photographs.

Residents can report civic issues through the GCC`s 1913 helpline, social media, its online portal and the PGR mobile application.

RMC Issues Chennai Rain Alert

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) issued an alert until 10 am, forecasting light to moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning at isolated places across Chennai and several other districts of Tamil Nadu, along with Puducherry and Karaikal.

Authorities are also monitoring a possible low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, which could influence rainfall over the coming days.

Safety Advisory for Chennai Residents

The GCC has advised residents to avoid entering flooded areas or waterlogged subways, stay away from electrical installations such as transformers and pillar boxes, and exercise caution when using electrical appliances during heavy rainfall.

Residents should follow official weather updates and traffic advisories as civic teams continue drainage and emergency response operations across Chennai.