As Rain continues its onslaught, Chennai fights back!

Torrential rainfall ,breaking a 100 year record, has resulted in massive flooding over major areas of Chennai. Pictures and information on patients stuck in hospitals, children trapped in residential schools, residents swimming or wading through the neighborhood to escape water levels ranging from 5 ft to 10 ft is a heart rending sight. Weather forecasts indicate heavy rains are expected over the next 4 days offering no respite from these torrential rains and the subsequent flooding. Economic damage to the state of Tamil Nadu is estimated to be around INR 8000 crores.

While the Army has been called in and has been actively involved in rescue operations along with police and firemen, Chennai and its residents came together as one force of volunteers in rescue efforts, sharing information on social media of trapped people, hosting people for shelter and food. Social media has been active in sharing information on helplines, shelters offered by govt,corporates and volunteers.

https://twitter.com/PriyaKathir7/status/671738659725402112

Lack of urban planning with poor infrastructure for water drainage and construction in lake beds, marsh lands and water logging prone areas have exacerbated the situation. Despite years of repeated water logging during the monsoons, successive governments have not upgraded the infrastructure. This could be a clarion call for proper urban planning, infrastructure development and disaster recovery for all Indian cities. A uniform template could potentially help citizens and planners.

Chennai and its residents will have a significant struggle in the face of continuing rains, water contamination, diseases and lack of infrastructure.

While Chennai has received spotlight recently, other affected areas include Cuddalore and Kancheepuram which need significant resources in this time of need. Unfortunately, their travails have not been highlighted and the people in those areas are in dire need of resources including food,shelter and rescue efforts.People are requested with donations and assistance to help affected areas.

Public can contact the following numbers in case of any emergency due to the flood:

NDRF: 011-24363260, 00919711077372
Tree fall, Water logging – 1913
Sewage overflow – 45674567, 22200335
State Emergency: 1070
District Emergency: 1077
Electricity: 1912
Fire & Rescue: 101

1st Regional Office(Tiruvottiyur) – 9445190001
2nd Regional Office(Manali) – 9445190002
3rd Regional Office(Madhavaram) – 9445190003
4th Regional Office(Tondiarpet) – 9445190004
5th Regional Office(Royapuram)- 9445190005
6th Regional Office(Thiru. Vi. Ka. Nagar) – 9445190006
7th Regional Office(Ambattur) – 9445190007
8th Regional Office(Annanagar) – 9445190008
9th Regional Office(Teynampet) – 9445190009
10th Regional Office(Kodambakkam) – 9445190010
11th Regional Office (Valasaravakkam)- 9445190011
12th Regional Office(Alandur) – 9445190012
13th Regional Office (Adyar)- 9445190013
14th Regional Office(Perungudi) – 9445190014
15th Regional Office(Sholinganallur) – 9445190015

I CHENNAI

1 Fort-Tondiarpet 94450 00484
2 Purasawakkam-Perambur 94450 00485
3 Egmore-Nungambakkam94450 00486
4 Mylapore-Triplicane 94450 00487
5 Mambalam-Guindy 94450 00488

II THIRUVALLUR

6 Ambattur 94450 00489
7 Ponneri 94450 00490
8 Gummudipoondi 94450 00491
9 Thiruthani 94450 00492
10 Pallipattu 94450 00493
11 Thiruvallur 94450 00494
12 Uthukottai 94450 00495
13 Poonamallee 94450 00496

III KANCHEEPURAM

14 Kancheepuram 94450 00497
15 Uthiramerur 94450 00498
16 Sriperumbudur 94450 00499
17 Chengalpattu 94450 00500
18 Thirkkalukunram 94450 00501
19 Tambaram 94450 00502
20 Madurantakam 94450 00503
21 Cheyyur 94450 00504