Chennai continues to reel under the effects of Cyclone Fengal, which made landfall on November 30, disrupting lives and infrastructure. Though the downpour has subsided in intensity, intermittent showers persist due to moisture inflow. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, cautioning that above-average rainfall is expected to lash the city. Meanwhile, northern districts of Tamil Nadu and parts of Bengaluru region bear the brunt of the cyclone’s residual impact. Chennai, though spared from red-alert conditions, remains grappling with widespread waterlogging and associated civic challenges.
For residents, returning to normalcy remains a distant goal as streets, roads, and subways continue to be inundated. The prolonged water stagnation has disrupted daily commutes and led to significant infrastructural damages. Many households report damage to property, raising concerns over the city’s preparedness for recurring climatic events. With this week’s forecast predicting intensified rains around December 6, the city’s drainage and flood management systems face further scrutiny, leaving citizens bracing for extended disruptions.
The meteorological predictions highlight broader issues of urban sustainability and resilience. Chennai, a city with an annual monsoon season, struggles with persistent waterlogging despite repeated investments in stormwater drains. This raises questions about whether urban planning efforts are effectively mitigating the risks posed by extreme weather events, which are increasingly tied to climate change. Sustainable drainage solutions and community awareness are critical to future-proofing the city’s infrastructure.
The cyclone’s aftermath has also drawn attention to the civic gaps that amplify the city’s vulnerability. While disaster response teams have been proactive in relief measures, citizens demand long-term solutions to prevent recurring hardships. With urbanisation accelerating, Chennai’s resilience lies in integrating sustainable infrastructure with robust civic management to ensure that the city can withstand nature’s fury without compromising daily life.
