I fell asleep to the rumble of thunder last night and woke up this morning to find my city had gone under. In front of my window I could see the effect of the night showers – there was water everywhere.
The water had reached the entrance of our house in West Mambalam and reminded me of that traumatic time in 2015 when the floods in Chennai resulted in us wading through three feet of water in our house. It’s not that bad yet, but since the rain hasn’t let up, I can’t help but fear the next few days.
On Sunday, Chennai received the heaviest rainfall since 2015. In ten hours the city recorded about 14 cm of rain. The streets were flooded and people’s lives were out of joint. Authorities issued a preliminary flood warning and announced they would open two reservoirs to drain the excess rainwater.
ALSO READ: Remembering the 2015 Chennai Flood: How the city suffered and survived heavy rains 2 years ago
Because of the rain we haven’t had any electricity since morning. We need to prepare to cut off electricity for at least the rest of today – I’m saving every last percent of my phone’s battery like my life depends on it!
We stocked up on groceries to make sure we didn’t have to go out for at least a few days. This after I scolded my father for going out to get milk that rainy morning. It took him an hour to get home from the nearby store.
We have stayed inside since then, except to go to our relatives’ house nearby to tidy up and make sure their valuables are safe. You’re out of town and the water hasn’t spared your home. Our neighbors in the neighboring apartment are also fighting with knee-deep water in the kitchen and bathroom.
(Video Credit: Shruti Srivatsan)
This time we are better prepared. We know what we need and what to do when the tide turns for the worse. 2015 trained us for this.
But can you really be prepared for the fact that the bare minimums are no longer available, even your home is not safe from the wrath of nature, you cannot reach your loved ones far away and everything that is important to you could be lost?
I do not think so. So we wait now. And we hope that Chennai will soon breathe a sigh of relief when the clouds clear and the sun comes out again.
(As Tarini Mehta tells)
ALSO READ: Chennai rains: CM MK Stalin declares 2-day vacation for schools, colleges in 4 districts
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