Chennai is bracing for a deluge, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a heavy to extremely heavy rainfall alert for the city and surrounding districts. This has triggered a wave of memes on social media, as residents take precautions to protect their vehicles from the anticipated floods. One of the most talked-about measures is the parking of cars on flyovers. A video of cars parked at a higher altitude to avoid being submerged went viral, with many expressing amusement at the ingenuity of Chennai’s residents.
The decision to park on flyovers has sparked a lively debate online. Some users praised the move, highlighting the practicality of protecting vehicles in the face of heavy flooding. Others, however, questioned the inconvenience it caused to other commuters.
“Already started to park car on velachery bridge??” tweeted one user, @mani17081996, sharing a photo of vehicles parked on a flyover. Another user commented, “They stop because of the bridge! I wonder what they would do if there was no bridge!”
The heavy rainfall has prompted the Tamil Nadu government to take proactive measures, declaring a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai and three other districts. Authorities have also advised IT companies to allow employees to work from home from October 15 to 18.
The meme-filled reactions to the heavy rainfall showcase the city’s resilience and humor in the face of adversity. As Chennai grapples with the impending floods, social media provides a platform for shared experiences, jokes, and a collective sense of preparedness.