Updated September 2026: in 2018 I continued my account of the 2015 Chennai floods: calling my parents to say I was safe, going to bed at 8pm with Tintin ebooks on my iPod Touch, and waking at 2am to thunder and the loss of mobile signal. I have rewritten it into advice on keeping in touch and keeping calm when the network goes down.
After a short walk around the apartment block, I called my parents to tell them it was pouring in Chennai, that I was safe at home, and that I would call the next morning. They were relieved. I went to bed around 8pm, earlier than ever in my life. One good decision I had made earlier was downloading about 18 Tintin ebooks to my iPod Touch, which kept me company for two long days. I slept for four or five hours and woke at about 2am to constant thunder and lightning. It was clear the rain would not stop soon, and the hope of power by morning faded.
What should you tell family before the network fails?
- That you are safe: and where exactly you are.
- When you will next contact them: and that silence may mean no signal, not danger.
- Who else can reach you: a neighbour or building contact.
How do you keep going with no power or signal?
Offline books, music and games make hours pass. A routine helps: fixed times to eat, check the phone and look outside. Sleep when you can, since nights in storms are often broken.
Is it normal to feel anxious?
Yes. Loud storms, darkness and isolation are stressful. Keeping busy and in contact with neighbours helps more than scrolling for news on a failing battery.
What should you check when you wake in a storm?
Water levels near the building, any sound of water inside, and whether neighbours need help. Keep a torch by the bed, not your phone.
What was the most useful thing I did?
The call to my parents while the network still worked. It spared them days of worry when my phone went silent.