As many as 227 relief centres have been readied across all 15 zones of the Greater Chennai Corporation to accommodate residents from low-lying areas during heavy rains, Commissioner G.S. Sameeran announced on Thursday as spells of rain continue with the onset of the Northeast monsoon.
He inspected the centre at the Kannappar Thidal Corporation Community Hall in Royapuram Zone, and a central community kitchen on Padavettamman Koil Street. The Commissioner reviewed arrangements at the relief centre, including facilities for accommodating residents and the availability of essential items. He also inspected the kitchen facility and verified the readiness of cooking utensils, food stocks and other basic infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “The Chennai Corporation has intensified precautionary measures across the city and has kept 227 relief centres and 112 central community kitchens ready to support residents in low-lying areas during periods of heavy rain. Between October 17 and October 21, food was provided to 56,100 people in different parts of the city.”
Dr. Sameeran said the Corporation had stocked relief centres with mats, blankets, pillows and other essential supplies. Community kitchens have been provided with food stocks including 12,399 kg of rice, 2,355 kg of toor dal, 1,590 litres of cooking oil and 696 kg of salt, with additional supplies to be procured if required.
78,000 tree branches pruned
He said motor pumps cleared water stagnation in more than 100 locations following recent spells of heavy rain and restored normalcy. As a precaution against possible strong winds, more than 78,000 tree branches have been pruned and hazardous trees removed. The Corporation has also deployed 2,200 workers for tree-related emergency operations.
The Commissioner added that 103 special monsoon medical camps are being conducted daily, while 36 Corporation boats and 97 boats from the Fisheries Department have been kept ready for emergency response in vulnerable areas. He said 57 night shelters are functioning to accommodate homeless persons during the monsoon.
Published - October 23, 2026 12:52 am IST