Rain lashes Tamil Nadu; CM Stalin takes stock of situation

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin reviewed the rain situation in Chennai amid continuous downpours on Tuesday. Stalin inspected affected areas and interacted with rescue and relief workers, sharing a cup of tea with them.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin also inspected the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Chennai. He reported that Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas received the highest rainfall of around 6 cm.

"About 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 the Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas, around 6 cm. No power cuts were encountered in any area in Chennai," Udhayanidhi Stalin said.

Pumping operations are underway to address water stagnation reported in 300 locations. The state has also started special health camps in 1,000 locations, with around 100 camps in Chennai alone.

Udhayanidhi Stalin stated that 26 teams from the NDRF and SDRF are positioned in Chennai and all coastal areas. He mentioned, "Out of 22 subways in Chennai, two subways have been flooded, and the traffic has been closed."

Due to the heavy rain forecast, the government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts. Severe waterlogging in Koyambedu impacted commuters and traffic.

Udhayanidhi Stalin conducted a survey of the Narayanapuram lake banks and Ambedkar Road canals to assess preparations for the heavy rain. He also met with local residents to address their complaints.

During the review meeting, the Greater Chennai Corporation officials informed that the civic body has readied 990 pumps, 57 tractors equipped with pump sets, and 36 mechanised boats to be used in case of any emergency. In addition, 46 MT bleaching powder and phenyl were available for sanitation purposes. About 169 fully equipped relief centers would become operational based on the situation.

The India Meteorological Department predicted "extremely heavy rainfall" in parts of Tamil Nadu on Wednesday, October 16. In the wake of this alert, the state government has declared a public holiday tomorrow.