Chennai Floods: Vodafone launches helpline number to trace missing people

Chennai and several coastal areas of the state are marooned in flood waters following incessant heavy rains that pounded the city and the neighbouring districts cutting the state capital from rail and road links even the airport was shut down for the day.

The rains have broken a 100-year-old record with one day's rainfall covering a month's average which also flooded areas in Vadapalani, Valasaravakkam and Nandamvakkam as nearby lakes overflowed into the city.

Even telephone services have been not reachable due to heavy rains. 

In a bid to locate missing people in Chennai, Vodafone has launched 'Trace Your Loved Once' program where the telecom company has provided customers with a helpline number.

"To trace missing persons in Chennai, Vodafone has launched a helpline- call 1948 from your Vodafone number in Chennai and Tamil Nadu."

Once the call is made, the customers will receive an SMS within 2 hours with their last called location.

@VodafoneIN #ChennaiRains #ChennaiFloods #ChennaiMicro pic.twitter.com/nebpigriUf

— Vignesh PV (@imVigneshPV) December 3, 2015

In the wake of incessant rains Telecom Minister on Wednesday had announced that there won't be any charges in BSNL mobile usage for a week. 

Backing telecom ministry, telecom major Airtel also announced special schemes to help customers in the flood-hit Chennai by offering minimum balance of Rs 30 to users.