Flooding disrupts travel across southern India

Disruptions due to flooding are ongoing across parts of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu states. Heavy rainfall in recent days amid the current monsoon season has triggered widespread flooding.

Residents of AGS colony in Velachery in Chennai City, Tamil Nadu State, were evacuated from their homes due to flooding. Bus services across the state were canceled or diverted.

Several trains were also canceled, including eight express trains at Chennai Central Station, due to flooding between Basin Bridge and Vyasarpadi stations. At least 12 flights were canceled, and around 23 flights were delayed at Chennai International Airport. Authorities have advised companies to function with the least number of employees or advise employees to work from home through.

Authorities in Karnataka State have advised companies in Bengaluru City to allow employees to work from home as the heavy rain will likely cause traffic congestion across the city and hamper the commute to work. The Hebbal Flyover and Okkalipura Underpass already saw major slowdowns. All schools and colleges in Bengaluru City in Karnataka State, as well as Chennai, Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts in Tamil Nadu State, are closed, while some schools in parts of Andhra Pradesh State are closed.

Further adverse weather is forecast across the region over the coming days, and additional downpours will likely exacerbate the flood situation.

Yellow thunderstorm warnings are forecast to persist over Tamil Nadu State. Authorities will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as weather conditions change over the coming days.

Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.