Chennai floods: North Chennai short of supplies

“All the vegetables my husband had bought on Sunday evening got spoiled after water entered my house during the rain,” said Suguna, standing in ankle deep sewage mixed flood water. “All we have had since morning are biscuits,” she said.

Buying groceries has become a herculean task for R. Narendran, a daily wager and a Soorapattu area resident, after heavy rains drove vegetable prices skywards. “After last night’s rain, the local grocery store in my area did not even open as the supply had not reached the shop. Thankfully, we had a little bit of leftover food from last night but if the rainfall persists, then Tuesday will be a testing day for my family,” he said. Korukkupet resident G. Kirubakaran told DC over the phone that he did not have issue with buying essential commodities.

“Aavin milk was not an issue but availing drinking water cans was a headache. The price has increased by Rs 5-10 per can. The delivery boys also want a little something extra for the drop, as they have to wade through sewage water to get to my home,” he said. Corporation officials said that they were distributing breakfast and lunch packets to residents who were affected by the rain. “We are trying our best to reach out to all residents and food packets have been ensured for families who have been evacuated,” said a senior official.