Minister defends desilting efforts, blames downpour

As forecast by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the northeast monsoon commenced on Wednesday, bringing in heavy rains from midnight to Chennai and its surrounding districts.

“Though most of the storm water drains and waterbodies that carry floodwater such as Kosasthalai and Cooum rivers were desilted, waterlogging happened due to the downpour of more than 100 millimetres in most areas across the city. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is taking all steps to prevent waterlogging,” Jayakumar told the media. Speaking about the measures done taken by GCC, Jayakumar said the civic body had issued instructions to remove uprooted trees and provide medical care to the affected people. “People living in lower areas have been asked to move to higher areas. Special teams have been formed to ensure that no one is affected by the monsoon rains,” he said.

According to him, the Corporation and Metro Water are working in close coordination with all departments concerned to ensure that there was no water stagnation in the city.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) had warned of intense rain for the next 24 hours. “As per latest observations, intense convictive clouds present over Chennai and its adjoining areas of Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts have the potential to cause heavy rain,” said the authority citing the warning issued by the IMD.

On its social media handle, TNSDMA released a series of documentaries to create awareness about the steps to be taken during cyclones, downpour, thunder and lightning.