Chennai rains: Heavy downpour batters southern city, IT and automobile cos worst hit

It is raining cats and dogs in Chennai and its suburbs. The torrential rains, which are the worst in 100 years, not only crippled normal life but also put IT giants like TCS, Infosys, Cognizant, and the automobile sector in a tight spot.

As rescue operations are on war-footing, IT companies have issues respective codes and guidelines for its employees to ensure seamless work so that clients do not suffer.

For instance, Cognizant sent some of its employees to a different office and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) held some key resources at its offices only.

Cognizant also held on to few critical employees even though its facilities were operational.

"For employees who have chosen to stay back at our facilities to provide uninterrupted 24x7 support to critical client projects, we have made the necessary accommodation and food arrangements. We have implemented our business continuity plan and are closely monitoring the situation," a Cognizant spokesperson told ET.

HCL Technologies, too, invoked a plan and offered employees a 'flexible work schedule'.

Meanwhile, TCS also made transportation arrangements for its employees.

"We would advise all associates, particularly those who have come by two-wheelers, to avail themselves of TCS transportation of car-pool with your colleagues wherever possible. Any decision on Wednesday's working will be communicated to you later in the day," stated a communique to TCS employees.

Infosys runs a large office close to the Veerapuram lake, which swelled and flooded the IT SEZ, and had to close its office early.

The company released a statement saying, “As a precautionary measure for the safety of our employees due to flooding at the Infosys campuses in Chennai, we have closed our offices early on Tuesday. The Mahindra City campus has seen some flooding due to neighbouring lakes overflowing due to the incessant rain."

One of the worst hit sectors was automobile as heavy rains in Chennai delayed production and delivery of vehicles.

Renault Nissan produced fewer cars by about 300 numbers. BMW India, too, had to shut down.

ARMY DEPLOYED FOR HELP

Army and NDRF personnel have been deployed in Chennai after the Tamil Nadu government sought military assistance. The Navy is also on stand-by.

All flight operations at Chennai airport were suspended and 11 foreign and nine domestic flights from the airport were put on hold as no landing or take-off was allowed till late Tuesday evening.

The rains have virtually broken a 100-year-old record with one day's rainfall covering a month's average.

(Image: Indiatimes)