Relief efforts on at 334 waterlogged locations in Chennai: Deputy CM

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin oversees relief efforts in Chennai after Cyclone Fengal, with 334 locations affected by waterlogging.

A total of 334 locations across the city experienced waterlogging and relief efforts were swiftly under way, said Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, who reviewed the situation caused by heavy rain and winds due to Cyclone Fengal on Saturday.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) have deployed 1,700 workers, and used hydraulic machines and other equipment to tackle inundation, he told reporters after inspecting the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Ripon Buildings. Mayor R. Priya, GCC Commissioner J. Kumaragurubaran and other elected representatives were present.

A total of 200 people were evacuated from low-lying areas and lodged in designated relief centres, Mr. Udhyanidhi said. By afternoon, over 2,32,000 people had been provided meals at 329 relief centres. Additionally, 386 Amma Canteens across the city served free meals to those in need, he added.

Meanwhile, 27 trees, which had fallen due to strong winds, have been cleared, and drainage teams were continuing their work across the city, he said. In response to specific needs, 103 boats were made available for evacuation and relief work in flood-affected areas. A total of 524 machines, including excavators and de-silting equipment, had been deployed to address drain blockages, Mr. Udhyanidhi said.