The death toll from the torrential rains and rain-related incidents caused by the Michaung cyclone in Chennai and three neighboring districts has risen to seven as of December 5, according to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. In response to the crisis, over 61,600 individuals have been relocated to relief camps across nine districts.
During a press conference at the Secretariat, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena announced that additional workforce is being mobilized from surrounding districts to aid relief operations in Chennai and adjacent areas. He reported that more than 3,000 workers are currently involved in clearing debris and removing fallen trees, with an additional 2,000 workers expected to join by Tuesday evening. Approximately 1.1 million food packets and over 100,000 milk packets have been distributed thus far.
Accompanying reports highlighted severe flooding, particularly in slum areas alongside the Saidapet Murmalong bridge, exacerbated by excess water release from reservoirs. The Hindu shared video evidence of the flooding, further underscoring the crisis.
Meena indicated that about 70% of bus services have resumed in the Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram, and Tiruvallur districts, while only 30% have resumed in Chennai due to lesser demand and ongoing water stagnation. As of Tuesday afternoon, approximately 800 buses were operational in Chennai. Additionally, the Managing Director of Chennai Metro Rail Limited, M.A. Siddique, confirmed the resumption of normal services for the metro system.
In terms of communication, 70% of mobile phone towers are functioning, while 30% are non-operational. A nodal officer has been appointed to liaise with service providers and electricity officials to expedite restoration efforts. Currently, 800 out of 900 fuel pumps in the affected districts are operational. Furthermore, approximately 1,200 fishing boats have reported varying degrees of damage, while about 3,500 catamarans and nets are affected.
Director of Fire and Rescue Services Abhash Kumar stated that over 1,700 fire personnel have been engaged in rescue operations, successfully rescuing more than 1,850 individuals. Chennai Police Commissioner Sandeep Rai Rathore reported that over 18,000 police personnel are involved in rescue and relief efforts across the city, with Home Secretary P. Amudha noting that more than 3,000 personnel are assisting in Avadi, where over 3,300 individuals have been rescued.
D. Karthikeyan, Secretary of the Municipal Administration and Water Supply Department, emphasized the commitment to restoring normalcy as swiftly as possible. Rajesh Lakhoni, Chairman and Managing Director of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Limited, announced that electricity supply has been restored to several areas, with additional areas expected to receive power as water recedes.
Navy personnel have been assisting evacuations in inundated neighborhoods in Madipakkam and Kolathur using inflatable boats, rescuing around 150 people, including elderly, pregnant women, and children. A spokesperson from the Union Ministry of Defence confirmed that divers and swimmers from the Navy were deployed upon a request from the Greater Chennai Corporation for flood relief efforts since early Tuesday.
Additionally, two Air Force helicopters conducted humanitarian aid operations, dropping relief supplies in Adyar and other flood-affected areas near Chennai Harbor. According to the Ministry of Defence, these operations were conducted in close coordination with the Tamil Nadu government, and future air sorties to deliver supplies to other impacted regions are planned.
Published – December 5, 2023, 07:49 pm IST
