Chennai, 22 October (H.S.) : The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has significantly ramped up its monsoon preparedness and relief efforts following continuous rainfall brought by the northeast monsoon.

To assist residents affected by the weather, the Corporation has established a city-wide network of 215 relief camps and 106 community kitchens. Of these, 68 kitchens are currently operational, showcasing the immediate response to ensure basic needs are met for those displaced or impacted.

The proactive measures are in direct compliance with the directive issued by Chief Minister MK Stalin, who instructed all District Collectors to take immediate precautionary steps and prevent public hardship.

The Chief Minister, who reviewed the State’s preparedness on October 19, emphasised the need to expedite relief operations, relocate residents from vulnerable low-lying and coastal areas, and guarantee the provision of sufficient food, drinking water, and medical facilities at all relief camps.

Highlighting the immediate impact of the efforts, Corporation officials reported that on Wednesday morning, breakfast was successfully served to 1,46,950 people sheltered in the camps.

In addition to physical camps, the GCC has activated a 24-hour Integrated Command and Control Centre to manage and coordinate the response, which is receiving public complaints via the emergency hotline 1913.

To manage the extensive relief and maintenance operations across the city, a substantial workforce has been deployed. Approximately 22,000 personnel, including engineers, staff, and conservancy workers from the Corporation, are on the ground.

They are supported by an additional 2,149 field staff from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, ensuring critical services and flood mitigation work are carried out without delay as the monsoon continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary