Chennai: A powerful spell of rain lashed the city late on Saturday night, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirming a cloudburst over the Manali area and its neighbouring localities. The downpour, which occurred between 10 pm and midnight, left several parts of North Chennai inundated and prompted authorities to issue a red alert for Manali and Wimco Nagar.

Record-breaking rainfall in Manali and nearby areas

According to rainfall data recorded up to 8:30 am on August 31, Manali (Division 19) registered the highest downpour with 27 cm, followed closely by New Manali Town at 26 cm and Wimco Nagar at 23 cm. These figures placed the three zones under the “extremely heavy rainfall” category.

In its bulletin, the IMD noted:

  • Three extremely heavy events (more than 20 cm rainfall)
  • Eight very heavy events (12–20 cm rainfall)
  • Twenty-eight heavy events (6–12 cm rainfall)

Officials confirmed that six separate rain spells in Manali crossed the 10 cm/hour threshold, meeting the IMD and World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) criteria for a cloudburst. Between 10 pm and 11 pm alone, Manali Division 19 received 106.2 mm of rainfall.

Flights diverted due to severe weather

The intense showers also affected air traffic. Several flights scheduled to land at Chennai airport, including those from Bengaluru, Delhi, Mangaluru and France, were diverted to Bengaluru. Airport authorities stated that operations resumed once conditions improved, with stranded passengers flown back to Chennai on different flights on Sunday morning.

Residents express concern over infrastructure

The heavy rain triggered waterlogging in multiple low-lying areas, bringing back concerns about Chennai’s monsoon preparedness. Residents in parts of Manali, Wimco Nagar, and Tiruvottiyur complained of waist-deep water and power outages through the night. Social media was flooded with images of flooded roads and calls for urgent drainage measures.

Red alert in force

The IMD has placed Chennai’s Manali and Wimco Nagar areas under a red alert, signalling the possibility of more extreme weather and urging people to remain indoors unless necessary. Authorities have asked residents to stay alert to civic updates and avoid venturing out in flooded zones.

The meteorological department has also forecast more heavy rainfall for parts of Tamil Nadu and neighbouring states, with Mumbai, Pune and Raigad placed on orange alert.

Conclusion

Saturday’s cloudburst has once again highlighted Chennai’s vulnerability to intense rainfall events, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods with poor drainage. While flights and transport operations have now normalised, officials remain on alert as the city braces for more rain in the coming days.