India braces for heavy rains in Chennai while Assam flood kills 97

Chennai Mayor Bria warned that the city could receive more than 50 mm of rain in a single spell as the El Niño phenomenon intensifies the monsoon. The municipal corporation admitted that flood‑prevention work, including drainage cleaning, started later than usual, with tenders issued only in July and work beginning in August. Officials said the delayed actions could exacerbate the impact if the forecasted heavy rain materialises.

In Assam’s Nagaland district, floodwaters have risen dramatically, killing 97 people and displacing about 170,000 residents. Over 14,000 hectares of farmland are submerged, and many villages are completely underwater. State Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Health Minister J. P. Nadda visited the affected areas, noting extensive damage and a long recovery period ahead.