Relentless Rain Hampers Life in Chennai With Threats For Epidemic Outbreak

Torrential rains start to resume after two days’ brief respite adding woes to millions of people, already hit by a devastating flood. Meteorological authority forecasts heavy showering till December 11 in coastal area of Tamil Nadu including Chennai due to formation of low barometric pressure around the Bay of Bengal and adjacent areas.

The South Indian Railway has canceled several inter state trains towards Chennai following forecasts for further inundation. Academic activities in educational institutes continued to remain suspended in eight districts of Tamil Nadu since December 1.

Authorities concerned have resumed relief flights soon after the runways have come out of submerged state on December 7. Airline industry insiders have predicted for resumption of commercial flights from December 11. But the fresh spell of torrential rains accompanied by further low formation may cause further deterioration in flood situation.

Earlier to the fresh spell of non-stop showering, flood water has receded from the inundated areas. Rail and road communications have been restored by sweeping out the silted mud amassed on the roads and trail tracks. Local and central governments have initiated relief operations suspending rescue missions.

Tamil Nadu’s state government stepped forward to ensure uninterrupted supply of power and essential commodities canceling all sorts of leaves for its employees. Supply of Milk and other essential food items for the infants and ages has been ensured duly. Government has also arranged open shops for supply of vegetables at cheaper price to the flood affected people.

Fuel and LPG supply remains erratic since the supply chain has witnessed a rampage. In the wake of sudden higher demand, Indian Oil Corporation has been operating its plants in full swing to ensure smooth supply. The authorities are hopeful that shortages of essential goods will start to ease as road and rail links are restored and dozens of special trains have been operating to bring in relief materials since resumption of road communications.

In Chennai, about 14 lakh people have been hosted in 5,554 camps; 85 lakh food packets delivered; 453 metric tonnes of milk powder distributed; about 400 medical camps established, and 24,220 heads of cattle saved, according to official statement of the Tamil Nadu government. The quantum of relief by volunteers will only be a fraction of what the government has already distributed among the destitute.

Besides ongoing government’s mammoth relief works in tackling down the post flood situation, several NGOs and volunteers from different organizations have also taken part in relief and rehabilitation works.

Government doctors in Tamil Nadu state have been instructed to visit severely flood affected areas to distribute medicine. The state government’s move aims to safeguard against epidemic of Diarrhea or other water born diseases.

NGOs and government authorities are working hard to remove piles of debris and perishable garbage accumulated in low lying areas. Corporation of Chennai and other voluntary civic bodies have deployed scores of workers to clear debris from the affected areas. The state government has brought in workers from other districts for this purpose upon coordination from the central government.

But fresh showering appears as an ominous threat hampering relief work. If showering continues for further 3 to 4 days, as forecast by the met experts, water borne diseases may break out in the form of severe epidemic since relief work may face a halt and scarcity of pure drinking water may run high.