As Chennai gears up for the Northeast monsoon, the Tamil Nadu government has taken significant steps, establishing 215 relief camps and 106 community kitchens throughout the city. These crucial facilities are backed by a dedicated force of 24,149 personnel, all committed to effective relief and rescue operations.
Following the monsoon’s arrival on October 16, a government press release detailed the proactive measures taken. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has directed all District Collectors to prioritize public safety, instructing them to implement comprehensive safety protocols. During a review meeting on October 19 at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Chennai, he further urged officials to accelerate preparedness. Key directives included the safe evacuation of residents from coastal and low-lying areas, and ensuring that all relief camps are fully equipped with essential provisions like food, drinking water, and medical aid.
Of the 215 relief camps and 106 community kitchens set up across Chennai, 68 community kitchens are already operational. On Wednesday alone, these kitchens successfully provided breakfast to 1,46,950 individuals impacted by the heavy rainfall, underscoring the immediate support being offered.
A 24/7 Integrated Command and Control Centre is actively addressing public concerns, ensuring prompt responses to all complaints channeled through the dedicated helpline number, 1913.
The extensive relief and rescue efforts are supported by a formidable team. This includes 22,000 personnel from the Greater Chennai Corporation, comprising officers, engineers, and sanitation workers, supplemented by 2,149 field staff from the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board.