Despite the Tamil Nadu government's measures, volunteers flag issues in North Chennai and demand swift action.
Relief materials received in North Chennai. (Supplied)
It has been a week since Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc in Chennai, flooding the metropolis and plunging it into darkness.
The Tamil Nadu government announced a slew of measures for the affected families: ₹6,000 as one-time assistance to families whose livelihood was affected and ₹5 lakh as compensation to families who died during the calamity, ₹8,000 for damaged huts, ₹1 lakh grant for damaged boats, and ₹15,000 for damaged fishing nets.
As of 5 pm on Sunday, 10 December, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) cleared 1,255 of the 1,351 fallen trees in the city, deployed 2,591 sanitary workers from other districts, and 15,059 conservancy workers to clear solid wastes. The civic body has also cleared 359 of the 363 inundated areas.
Relief materials have been coming to Chennai from all quarters. Tenkasi and Tirunelveli district administrations sent relief materials to Chennai. Relief materials, including bedsheets, water bottles, napkins, and medicines worth ₹1 lakh came from Vellore.
Despite claims of stellar efforts to restore normalcy by the Tamil Nadu government and the GCC, several localities are crying for attention. Volunteers pointed out lapses in ensuring relief and rehabilitation, especially in North Chennai.
Kuyil Mozhi, a Chennai-based law student and a volunteer, felt the civic body has been ignoring several localities. “The civic body’s prime focus is on the core city. The suburbs and peripheral localities are still limping back to normalcy,” Kuyil Mozhi observed.
On the infrastructural lapses in North Chennai, she said, “All localities should have stormwater drains to prevent flooding.”
“Korukkupet residents are asking for groceries to last a week till they can get back to work. Thideer Nagar needs buckets and mugs. Food packets are still needed for the residents of Kodungaiyur, Pulianthope, and Vyasarpadi,” Kuyil Mozhi said. She expressed hope that the authorities would meet the needs of the people in the coming days.
A complete list of the amounts we’ve received & purposes.Every penny in this was spent towards the requirement.The amounts were all directly sent to the vendors & cooks.These are the goods delivered till today. Buckets,mugs & the paai to Vetuvankenni, yet to be delivered. (1/n) pic.twitter.com/9rBejPHY5v
— Kuyil Mozhi (@KuyilM) December 10, 2023
Pammal-based volunteer Suren Kannan has been raising funds to help those in need. Kannan said that the people can cook food now. “However, having lost their livelihoods, they are without money. They need groceries,” he told South First.
In certain North Chennai localities, sewage got mixed with rainwater and overflowed. “This should not happen again,” he added.
On social media platforms, MLAs and MPs posted about their visits to the affected areas. On Sunday, Transport Minister SS Sivasankar and Thiruvottiyur MLA KP Shankar visited Thiruvottiyur, to assess the situation.
“The state government should be more proactive. Haven’t we all learnt something from the 2015 floods?” Kannan asked.
Several MLAs are visiting the localities that are not inundated. “What’s the point if the MLA doesn’t even get out of his car to listen to our woes?” asked Suguna, a resident of Perumbakkam Housing Board, referring to Sholinganallur MLA S Aravind Ramesh.
May 01, 2024
May 01, 2024
May 01, 2024
May 01, 2024
May 01, 2024
Apr 30, 2024
