Historic Rainfall Causes Widespread Disruption in the Coastal City
Puducherry, a coastal union territory in southern India, has witnessed its heaviest rainfall in three decades, with over 46 cm of rain recorded in just 24 hours. This unprecedented downpour has not only broken records but also caused severe flooding, disruption of daily life, and significant damage to infrastructure in the region. Authorities have issued alerts and initiated relief measures to address the aftermath of this extreme weather event.
Torrential Downpour: A Record-Breaking Event
On the night of December 14, 2024, the skies opened up over Puducherry, dumping an extraordinary amount of rain across the region. The city’s weather station recorded a total of 46 cm of rainfall, surpassing the previous record of 40 cm in 1994. The relentless showers were caused by a combination of a deep depression in the Bay of Bengal and a high-pressure system over the region, which converged to bring heavy rains.
Flash Floods and Traffic Chaos
The sudden deluge overwhelmed the city’s drainage systems, causing flash floods in many low-lying areas. Major roads, including the arterial roads leading to the city center, were submerged, leading to severe traffic jams and delays. The Puducherry-Chennai National Highway was temporarily closed in several places due to the rising waters, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.
Residents in flood-prone areas were forced to evacuate their homes as the water levels reached alarming heights. Local authorities have set up relief camps to provide shelter and assistance to affected families.
Damage to Infrastructure and Property
The rainfall has left a trail of destruction across the region. Several buildings, especially older structures, have suffered structural damage due to waterlogging. The electricity supply was also disrupted in many parts of Puducherry as water seeped into transformer stations and power lines were downed by falling trees.
The heavy rains also led to the overflowing of rivers and canals, submerging agricultural fields and causing damage to crops. This has raised concerns about the impact on the livelihoods of local farmers, who are already struggling with unpredictable weather patterns.
Rescue and Relief Operations Underway
The Puducherry administration, along with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other local rescue teams, has sprung into action to assist those affected. Pumps and other machinery are being deployed to drain out excess water from flooded areas. Relief materials, including food, medicines, and blankets, are being distributed to affected residents, especially in the most severely impacted zones.
Weather Forecast and Preparedness
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of more rain in the coming days, as the depression in the Bay of Bengal continues to move westward. While the intensity of the rainfall may decrease, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious and stay indoors unless absolutely necessary.
Puducherry’s government has also called for better preparedness for future extreme weather events, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and more robust flood control measures to prevent such widespread damage.
Conclusion
Puducherry’s record-breaking rainfall highlights the increasing vulnerability of coastal regions to extreme weather events in the face of climate change. While the city grapples with the aftermath, the lessons learned from this event could pave the way for better disaster management and preparedness in the future. The ongoing rescue efforts and relief operations offer hope that the city will recover from this rare and devastating natural disaster.