Chennai: As low-lying areas in north Chennai were inundated due to the incessant rains that lashed the metropolis, Greater Chennai Corporation has thrown open 15 relief camps for affected people where food packets and other materials were distributed. As many as 140 people living in several areas sought refuge at the relief centres being run by the corporation on Thursday night and returned to their homes by Friday afternoon after rainwater had receded. Officials said nearly 3,250 people came to the centres to receive food packets on Friday, as they were not able to cook in their homes.
“Due to the apprehension of the flood and its implications, the corporation has decided to have its flood relief camps ready. Now 15 such relief has been made functional,” a senior official of the Chennai corporation told Deccan Chronicle.
The city on Thursday evening witnessed a heavy downpour for hours that left the roads and low-lying areas inundated. With floods gushing into their houses, the residents found shelter in relief camps that were set up in Corporation school buildings and in community halls.
“Even though everyone left for their houses after the water receded on Friday morning, we provided them with food. Nearly 3,250 residents were given Pongal for breakfast and the numbers decreased as the day progressed. If the situation worsens, Chennai corporation is ready to open more such camps,” added the official. Food is being prepared in Chintadripet common kitchen to supply to the camps. Minister for municipal administration and rural development S.P. Velumani inspected the kitchen and other flood relief works in the city, the civic body said in a press release.
A resident of Chintadripet who sought refuge at a shelter said that her house was flooded with rainwater. “Corporation provided us food and we hope that this flooding and hardship cease,” she said. M. Govinda Rao, Deputy Commissioner (Works), Chennai corporation, said the list of relief camps and common kitchens have been displayed prominently on the civic body’s website.
