December rains and Chennai are so well synonymous to each other that they end up being harmonious. During this period, the northeast monsoon in the region is largely responsible for nurturing weather systems across the vast Bay of Bengal that eventually has devastating effects on the southeastern peninsular regions of India. It does offer both bitter & sweet experiences, depending on the topography of the region.
It’s the last month of the year. Be it a working week or a weekend, there’s nothing more soothing than waking up to the sounds of falling rain droplets! The first week of December 2023 has been one such experience. As the week progressed, Chennai and adjoining districts were bracing itself with the impact of the approaching cyclone Michaung! Over the weekend, the weather pattern changed drastically. The city witnessed a record rainfall activity. Over 400 mm of rainfall in under 35 hours. That was extremely grueling. A torrential downpour with winds touching 80-90 kmph, gusting up to 100 kmph inundated several parts of the city. The rainfall in 2023 was comparable to the one in 2015, both immensely destructive. However, there were no lessons learnt for the civic authorities. The city witnessed, yet another tine, a deluge of rain waters flooding several residential localities and arterial roads. For an adventure loving person and an artist, there can be nothing more satisfying than to capture the moments in a beautiful manner. And here they are!
THE GUST OF APPROACHING STORM:
How often have you seen rains pouring down over the seas! And the intimidating cloud cover over the city. That was a magnificent sight to behold!
Select a photograph to view enlarged and scroll through the carousel!
THE CALM AFTER THE STORM:
Cyclone Michaung brushed along the coastline of Chennai causing widespread destruction. 400 mm rainfall in the past 35 hours is just insane. However, it is the resilience of this city and its people that helps restore the charm of Chennai. Select a photograph to view enlarged and scroll through the carousel!
These photographs account for geographically superior localities of the city. The innumerable low-lying areas suffered the brunt of the cyclone the most. The people in these locations are, literally, cut off from basic necessities for over 48 hours. Kudos to all selfless volunteers.
Do share your thoughts about these photographs. I would like to listen to your monsoon tales.