Residents were convinced that November was the worst but stock taking and rehabilitation had to wait a week longer as the maniacal rains of December took everyone by surprise and completely crippled the city. According the India Meteorological Department, starting October 1 through December 4, the state has recieved a total rainfall of 592.2 mm as against an expected downpour of 370.2 mm, a deviation of nearly 60% above normal. For the week ending December 2, Chennai city has recieved 347.3 mm of rain as against the normal 53.4 mm, deviating a whopping 550% from normal!
Thousands were marooned on terraces as floodwaters reached up to the first and second floors in many localities including low-lying Velachery, Urapakkam, Kotturpuram and Saidapet. With no power supply and limited to zero mobile connectivity, residents stood waiting with bated breath for rescue workers to arrive and move them to safety.
