In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, Chennai reels under the impact of severe flooding triggered by incessant heavy rainfall. Although the downpour lessened somewhat on Tuesday, numerous pockets of the city, especially in suburban areas, remained submerged, battling severe waterlogging.
Residents grappled with dire circumstances, enduring 72 hours without electricity or internet connectivity. The flooding breached homes, wreaking havoc on electronics and personal belongings. The situation compounded for vulnerable elderly individuals, particularly those with diabetes, facing a scarcity of food for 48 hours, resulting in deteriorating health conditions. Some traversed over 7 kilometers through inundated areas in the absence of viable transportation options.
At S Kolathur Road near Chennai's Narayanapuram, more than 100 houses suffered the brunt of rainwater, as flooding surged from the Narayanapuram Eri (lake), severely impacting the locality.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in coordination with local police, launched rescue missions in the worst-affected zones. Collaborating with local authorities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), essential supplies like biscuits and bread were distributed to those marooned. Additionally, the police safely evacuated students residing in hostels at Balaji Dental College and Jerusalem Engineering.
Instances of individuals trudging through knee-deep water were witnessed in areas like Taramani and Velachery due to the absence of viable transportation modes.
Regrettably, the Greater Chennai Police (GCP) reported a grim rise in the city's death toll, reaching 17 individuals due to the relentless rains. Responding to the crisis, the Tamil Nadu government has sought an interim Central assistance of Rs 5,000 crore to rehabilitate affected residents and reconstruct infrastructure in Chennai and other affected districts across the state.
