Udhayanidhi Stalin distributes relief materials to Chennai's sanitation workers amid rains

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, accompanied by party leaders, distributed relief materials to sanitation workers following heavy rains that struck Chennai on Wednesday.

In a press conference, Udhayanidhi Stalin remarked, "No rainwater is being stagnated at present in Chennai and its surrounding areas. I thank the common public and sanitation workers for cooperating with the state government to make it happen. We are prepared to face anything even if rainfall occurs today."

Continued downpour affects daily life

Chennai and other parts of Tamil Nadu experienced relentless rainfall on Wednesday, leading to knee-deep water in residential neighbourhoods and causing traffic congestion. Public transport services were also adversely affected. To see the photos, click here. 

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for various parts of the state, warning of "very heavy rainfall" expected on October 17 and 18.

On Tuesday, following heavy rains, many streets were inundated with muddy water, and garbage was seen floating in the Pattalam area of the city.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Wednesday announced that relief work is ongoing in areas hit hardest by the downpour. The Chief minister also declared that food will be served free of charge at Amma canteens in Chennai on October 16 and 17.

Stalin on Tuesday stock of the rain situation in the state capital amidst the ongoing downpours. During his visit, he was seen sharing a cup of hot tea with rescue and relief workers while monitoring the affected areas in Chennai.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also visited the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Chennai to assess the situation.

Speaking about the rain situation, Udhayanidhi Stalin informed on Tuesday, "Around 5 cm average rainfall has been recorded in Chennai in the last 24 hours. Things are very much under control. The highest rainfall has been recorded in Sholinganallur and Teynampet area, around 6 cm. No power cuts were encountered in any area in Chennai."

Emergency response measures

"Tree falling was reported in around 8 areas and the team is already on duty to clear it. All the trees will be cleared in approximately one to one and a half hours after the rain has stopped. 26 teams from NDRF and SDRF have been readily positioned in Chennai and all the coastal areas. Out of 22 subways in Chennai, two subways have been flooded and the traffic has been closed," informed the Deputy CM.

"The pumping motors are ready and draining. Water stagnation has been reported in 300 locations and the pumping work is in progress. Tamil Nadu special health camp for the rainy season was started in 1000 locations all over the state and around 100 health camps have been started in Chennai alone by the concerned department," added Udhayanidhi Stalin.

Government declares holidays for educational institutions

In anticipation of heavy rainfall, the Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on Tuesday.

Earlier, Chief Minister MK Stalin held a review meeting with senior officials and gave necessary instructions following the heavy rainfall. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N Muruganandam held a meeting with concerned officials and directed them to make necessary arrangements.

Anticipating the rainfall in the region, residents living around Velachery parked their cars on the Velachery flyover in an attempt to prevent any damage to their vehicles.

An advisory to fishermen was released, telling them to not venture into the seas.

The Chief Minister also instructed the authorities to issue an advisory to allow employees of IT companies in these districts to work from home from October 15 to 18, according to an official release. ANI