A deluge of heavy monsoon rains has wreaked havoc in southern India, prompting the closure of schools, colleges, and government offices. Chennai and Bengaluru, two major cities, were severely affected by flooding, leading to power cuts, flight cancellations, and widespread disruption. The region is bracing for further rainfall over the next two days following the receding of the monsoon in northern areas.
The monsoon season has brought heavy rains to several states, resulting in the deaths of 33 individuals last month. Severe flooding in Chennai’s Poes Garden area left residents wading through knee-deep waters, with the India Meteorological Department forecasting strong winds in the region until Thursday. The Tamil Nadu government has deployed over 200 boats and emergency response teams, and schools and government offices remain closed.
The frequency of landslides and floods in South Asia has been attributed to climate change, with scientists and weather forecasters noting an increase in heavy rainfall in recent years. The images of waterlogged streets and distressed residents underscore the urgent need for climate resilience and disaster preparedness initiatives in the region.
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