As the Northeast Monsoon continues to deliver widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu, the state government has mobilised extensive resources to mitigate flooding and assist affected residents. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, along with various Ministers, have conducted continuous inspections and directed top officials, collectors, and police to execute all necessary precautions.
From Oct.17 to the morning of Oct.24, the state recorded an average rainfall of 179.80 mm, with a peak of 93.30 mm falling in Medavakkam.
Chennai Relief and Preparedness
The Greater Chennai Corporation has activated comprehensive relief measures:
- Relief Centres: 215 relief centres are on standby, equipped with sanitation, food, and water facilities. 106 community kitchens are ready to supply meals.
- Food Distribution: From October 22nd to 23rd, a total of 4,40,400 meals (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) were distributed to people in low-lying areas.
- Water Removal: A total of 1,436 motor pumps of varying capacities, including 150 powerful 100Hp pumps, are deployed to remove stagnant water. An additional 500 motor pumps are mounted on tractors.
- Heavy Machinery: 478 vehicles and machines are ready, including 2 Amphibians, 3 Amphibious Excavators, 6 Multi-purpose Robotic Excavators, and 7 Super Sucker vehicles.
- Debris Clearing: 457 tree-cutting machines (including 15 hydraulic tree-cutting vehicles) are on standby. 31 trees that fell between October 17th and 22nd have already been cleared.
Personnel and Public Contact: A total of 22,000 Corporation staff, engineers, workers, and sanitation employees, along with 2,149 Chennai Metrowater field personnel, have been deployed for relief work. Residents can report Corporation-related issues via the 24-hour toll-free number 1913 and Metrowater complaints via 1916. The city’s water supply is ensured through 454 water vehicles, which made 3,181 trips on October 23rd alone.
