Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin have actively taken stock of the rain situation in Chennai as the city experiences heavy downpours. Both leaders are overseeing relief measures to ensure public safety and mitigate the impact of the relentless rainfall.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister MK Stalin personally inspected the rain-affected areas in Chennai. During his visit, he was seen interacting with rescue and relief workers, even sharing a cup of tea with them. His presence highlighted the government’s commitment to addressing the situation and ensuring swift relief efforts.
Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Integrated Control and Command Centre in Chennai and provided updates on the rainfall. He stated that the highest recorded rainfall, approximately 6 cm, was reported in the Sholinganallur and Teynampet areas. On average, Chennai received around 5 cm of rainfall in the last 24 hours, but Udhayanidhi assured that “things are very much under control.”
He also reported that no power cuts had occurred in any part of the city, and fallen trees were being cleared by teams across eight affected areas. The deputy CM confirmed that 26 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were stationed in Chennai and coastal areas, ready for any emergency.
Water stagnation was reported in 300 locations, and Udhayanidhi Stalin confirmed that pumping operations were underway to drain the affected areas. He added that two subways had been closed due to flooding. In response to health concerns, Tamil Nadu has launched special health camps across the state, with 1,000 camps set up, including 100 in Chennai alone, to provide medical aid during the rainy season.
In light of the heavy rain forecast, the Tamil Nadu government declared a holiday for schools and colleges in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, and Chengalpattu districts on Tuesday. The decision aimed to ensure the safety of students and staff as parts of the city experienced severe waterlogging, particularly in areas like Koyambedu.
Earlier, Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin surveyed the Narayanapuram lake banks and the canals on Ambedkar Road, which carry surplus water from Kilikattalai Lake to Narayanapuram Lake. He also met with residents to hear their concerns and instructed officials to take appropriate action.
An advisory has been issued to fishermen, urging them not to venture into the sea due to the rough weather. Additionally, the Chief Minister has instructed authorities to advise IT companies to allow employees to work from home from October 15 to 18 to reduce traffic and ensure public safety during the heavy rains.
CM MK Stalin previously held a review meeting with senior officials to assess the situation and provide necessary instructions. Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam has also been coordinating efforts to ensure that essential arrangements are in place to manage the ongoing rain and its potential impact on the city.
