Chennai Mobilises 22,000 Workers for Cyclone Fengal Relief Efforts
CHENNAI: The Chennai Corporation had engaged 22,000 employees to provide relief to the people affected by the heavy rains brought about by Cyclone Fengal for two days and distributed 2,32,200 food packets on Saturday when the 110 mm of rain was recorded between 7 am and 2 pm, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
Reviewing the preventive measures undertaken by the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) at the Ripon Building premises in Chennai, the Deputy Chief Minister told the media that the government was fully prepared to meet any situation when Cyclone Fengal crossed the coast, probably on Saturday night.
He said that the administration responded quickly to the disaster by clearing waterlogging in 12 of the 334 spots in Chennai immediately. The operation to drain out the water, which was launched with the help of 1,7000 motor pumps, was being carried out in the other spots where water stagnation had been reported, he said.
Since the Chief Minister M K Stalin was particular that the rains should not be allowed to affect the people, the Corporation had opened 329 relief camps where food and health facilities had been made available to the people staying there and 120 kitchens had been opened to take care of their needs, Udhayanidhi Stalin said.
After 27 trees were uprooted by gusty winds in the afternoon, all of them were cleared immediately as 500 machines, hydraulic tree cutters and hydraulic ladders, were kept ready for the operation, he said. Of the 22 subways in Chennai, traffic had been stopped on Ganesapuram subway due to the ongoing railway over bridge construction work and 6 others had been closed due to water stagnation. Work was on to clear the water, he said.
From low lying areas, 193 persons were evacuated and accommodated in the relief camps, where 8500 persons were served breakfast and 2,23,700 persons lunch and 103 boats were kept ready. At the behest of the Chief Minister free food was provided at the 386 Amma canteens, Udhaynidhi Stalin said.
He also made a mention about volunteers coordinating with the Corporation employees involved in the relief operations by providing information on flood affected places and people to the 22,000 Corporation officers, engineers, staff and conservancy workers engaged in relief work.
Chennai Metrowater was involved in clearing sewages of blocks and cleaning underground drains with the use of 524 machines, the Deputy Chief Minister said, urging the people to not panic but be confident of coming out of the situation successfully as the State had done in the past.