Chennai, Oct 19:
The Tamil Nadu government has kept 2,372 relief camps ready across Chennai to accommodate people affected by heavy rain and flooding as the northeast monsoon intensifies. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan inspected the State Emergency Operations Centre at Ezhilagam on Sunday and reviewed the arrangements for rescue, relief and emergency response.
The city experienced intense rainfall on Saturday night, with several areas recording between 20 cm and 31 cm. The downpour led to waterlogging in low-lying neighbourhoods, roads and subways. The Minister said coordinated efforts by various departments helped clear accumulated rainwater within two to three hours in several locations. A seven-member ministerial team has been formed to oversee monsoon preparedness, while Chennai has been divided into 15 zones for monitoring rain-related incidents and coordinating relief work.
The relief camps have been kept ready with arrangements for accommodation, food and other essential supplies. Officials have been instructed to pay special attention to vulnerable residents and ensure that people living in flood-prone areas can move to safer locations whenever necessary. The Greater Chennai Corporation has also deployed thousands of workers and kept motor pumps and emergency response teams ready to tackle waterlogging and fallen trees.
Residents have been advised to avoid waterlogged roads and subways, stay away from overflowing watercourses and never touch fallen electrical wires. People requiring emergency assistance can contact the disaster management helplines 1077 and 1070. With heavy to very heavy rainfall forecast in Chennai and neighbouring districts, officials have been directed to remain on alert and respond promptly to public complaints.