Chennai, Oct 22:
Heavy overnight rainfall disrupted normal life in Chennai, prompting the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) to intensify water-removal operations after receiving 1,212 rain-related complaints in 24 hours.
According to the GCC’s Integrated Command and Control Centre, the city recorded an average rainfall of 70.25 mm during the 24-hour period ending at 6 am on October 21. The downpour was particularly intense in central and southern parts of the city, while several northern neighbourhoods received comparatively lower rainfall.
Vadapalani recorded the highest rainfall at 132.9 mm, followed by Saidapet with 125.2 mm and Alandur with 119.4 mm. Madipakkam received 114.6 mm, Maduravoyal 112.5 mm, Valasaravakkam 109.6 mm, Nungambakkam 106.8 mm and Adyar 104.1 mm.
The complaints received by the civic body mainly concerned waterlogging and inundation. More than 50 complaints related to fallen trees and non-functional streetlights were also registered. Officials said most waterlogging and tree-fall complaints had been addressed, while streetlight repairs were ordered to be completed within 24 hours.
AGS Colony in Velachery emerged as one of the major problem spots, with three 100-horsepower motors deployed to pump out accumulated rainwater. Additional high-capacity pumps were also positioned in vulnerable areas, while officials monitored subways to prevent traffic disruptions.
GCC Commissioner G S Sameeran said complaints were being tracked through the 1913 helpline, social media, the civic body’s online portal, the Public Grievance Redressal mobile application and media reports. Field engineers are required to upload before-and-after photographs before complaints are marked as resolved.
The civic body has advised residents not to enter flooded areas to take photographs or videos and to stay away from transformers, electrical pillar boxes and other electrical installations during inundation. With the northeast monsoon continuing, officials are maintaining round-the-clock surveillance of vulnerable locations.
Residents can report civic complaints through the GCC’s 1913 helpline.