Chennai: Rains stop, but residents continue to be in distress

More than 70,000 people are now in relief camps across Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur, post the heavy rains. Government schools in the state are being used to accommodate those whose homes have been flooded. 

Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa issued a statement which said that 25,595 people were evacuated along the Adyar River on November 16 and 17 and are being housed in 76 relief camps. 25000 personnel including those from the Central forces have helped rescue more than 16,000 people in Kanchipuram district. In Tiurvallur, there are 117 relief camps that are home to more than 26,000 people at this point.

Rescue and relief operations are still continuing across the state. In Chennai, one of the worst-affected areas is Villivakkam SIDCO Nagar, states a report in The Hindu. Nearly 75000 residents in that area have been affected by the rains and flooding. The Chennai Corporation is reportedly using seven boats and 20 pumpsets with 500 people working in the area in the rescue operation.

WhatsApp Message Causes Panic

Meanwhile, a message was doing the rounds on WhatsApp, causing panic in Chennai. The message stated that NASA had predicted a cyclone and heavy rains on November 21 and November 22. The message was even being shared by those living abroad with their family and friends in the city. People already affected by the rains and waterlogging, started sending it to others, fearing the situation would get worse. However, the media finally put an end to the viral message by stating that the message was false.

More information on relief centres can be viewed on www.chennaicorporation.gov.in