The Greater Chennai Corporation has kept 220 relief centres and 110 community kitchens ready across the city as heavy rain flooded several areas after the northeast monsoon intensified on October 17 night. The civic body has also prepared pumps, boats, emergency machinery and round-the-clock field teams to respond to waterlogging and other rain-related disruptions.
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 asked to prioritise public safety, address complaints promptly and ensure that civic works do not obstruct residents or traffic.
The Corporation said storm-water drain works had been expedited and were largely complete. In locations without storm-water drain connections, motor pumps have been kept ready to remove stagnant rainwater. Officials have also been instructed to maintain the flow of water at drain outlets, canal junctions and river mouths, which are critical points in the city’s drainage network during intense rainfall.
Heavy rain lashed Chennai on the night of October 17, leaving several areas flooded early on October 18. Flooding was reported around Stephenson Road in Perambur and the Ganesapuram railway subway in Vyasarpadi. The Corporation’s preparedness announcement comes as the city continues to face the operational challenge of moving rainwater quickly through low-lying neighbourhoods, subways, canals and storm-water infrastructure.
Residents in low-lying areas will be evacuated to the relief centres when required. The centres will provide food and essential supplies, while the 110 community kitchens have been readied to support people affected by flooding or evacuation. Field workers will be deployed in shifts throughout the day and night, with machinery and equipment positioned for emergency operations.
The civic body has also directed teams to clear fallen trees promptly and keep boats and operators ready in areas vulnerable to waterlogging. These measures are intended to address the immediate effects of heavy rain, including blocked roads, stranded residents and accumulated water in areas where drainage connections are unavailable or insufficient.
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 directed to zonal officers, regional Deputy Commissioners and zonal monitoring officers.
The preparedness plan is being implemented for the northeast monsoon and in view of the anticipated super El Niño mentioned by the civic administration. The next operational focus will be continued monitoring of low-lying areas, drainage outlets and vulnerable transport points as rain-related complaints are received.
