The Greater Chennai Corporation has kept 220 relief centres ready as part of its preparedness measures for the northeast monsoon, Corporation Commissioner G.S. Sameeran has said.
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Sameeran said the northeast monsoon season could continue for another 90 days and that the Corporation was working with heightened vigilance.
A low-pressure system that has formed over the Bay of Bengal could intensify into a cyclone. Even if it moves towards Andhra Pradesh or Odisha, strong winds could affect Chennai, he said.
To minimise damage, the Corporation has so far pruned the branches of more than 78,000 trees using machinery and removed trees that posed a threat. An additional 2,240 workers have been deployed for these operations. Hoardings and banners that could be blown down by strong winds are also being removed on a war footing.
As part of its emergency preparedness, 220 relief centres and 111 community kitchens have been kept ready. Initial stocks of 12,399 kg of rice, 2,355 kg of tur dal, 1,590 litres of cooking oil and 696 kg of salt have been procured for relief operations.
To prevent the spread of seasonal illnesses, including fever, 103 special medical camps are being conducted every day. More than 3,300 people benefited from these camps in a single day, the day before yesterday, he said.
In low-lying areas such as Velachery and Kalkuttai, water is being drained using heavy-duty electric motors with capacities exceeding 100 horsepower.
Arrangements are also being made through the Tamil Nadu Urban Habitat Development Board to construct new houses for economically weaker sections living in encroached areas of waterbodies. In addition, 57 night shelters are functioning for homeless people living beneath bridges and on footpaths, Sameeran said.
