The Greater Chennai Corporation has prepared 220 relief centres and 110 community kitchens across the city as heavy rain and flooding affect several areas during the northeast monsoon. The civic body has also readied pumps, boats, emergency machinery and round-the-clock field teams to respond to waterlogging and other incidents.
The preparedness measures were reviewed at a meeting held at Ezhilagam on October 17, where Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar directed zonal monitoring officers, Corporation officials and other service departments to coordinate their response. Officials were instructed to prioritise public safety, act promptly on complaints and maintain close monitoring during the monsoon.
The GCC said work on storm-water drains had been expedited and was largely complete. In locations without storm-water drain connections, motor pumps have been kept ready to remove stagnant rainwater. Officials have also been directed to ensure that ongoing civic works do not obstruct pedestrians or traffic.
The preparations come after heavy rain lashed Chennai on the night of October 17, leaving several areas flooded in the early hours of October 18. Waterlogging was reported around Stephenson Road in Perambur and the Ganesapuram railway subway in Vyasarpadi, among other locations.
Residents in low-lying areas will be evacuated to relief centres when required. The Corporation said food and essential supplies would be provided at these centres, while the 110 community kitchens would support meal distribution during emergencies. Field workers will be deployed in shifts through the day and night, with machinery and equipment kept ready for urgent operations.
The GCC has also instructed officials to clear fallen trees promptly and maintain the flow of rainwater at drain outlets, canal junctions and river mouths. Boats and trained operators will be kept ready in low-lying areas that are prone to waterlogging.
Residents can report rain-related complaints through the GCC’s 1913 helpline, its WhatsApp chatbot at 9445061913, the Namma Chennai app and the Corporation’s website. Complaints can also be taken up with zonal officers, regional Deputy Commissioners and zonal monitoring officers.
The Corporation’s preparedness plan is being implemented as the city braces for the northeast monsoon and the anticipated super El Niño. The next phase of the response will depend on coordination among civic, service and zonal officials as rainfall continues.
