CHENNAI: Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa on Wednesday undertook an aerial survey of three districts hit by the deluge - Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur and reviewed the ongoing relief and rescue operations.
During the aerial survey, she inspected the devastation in Ekkaduthangal, Kotturpuram, Adyar, Velacherry, Sholinganallur, Ashok Nagar, Vyasarpadi, Sadayankuppam, Manalipudur, Retteri lake, Poondi, Puzhal and Chemabarambakkam reservoirs and Kosasthalaiyar river.
In a statement here, the Chief Minister said the northern coastal districts had witnessed unprecedented rains and now priority was being accorded for rescuing the affected and giving them food, basic amenities and medicare. The Chief Minister said she had directed officials to provide mat and blanket to the people sheltered in relief camps and that Aavin should supply milk powder to them. Food and drinking water is being supplied through helicopter to the people staying in higher floors of their houses due to heavy flooding.
As on Wednesday, 6,358 persons have been given shelter in 50 relief camps in Cuddalore district and 14,97,653 food packets distributed. In Tiruvallur district, 38,495 persons have been given shelter in 146 relief camps and 3,53,101 food packets distributed to the needy. In Kancheepuram district, 57,516 persons have been given shelter in 167 camps and 6,17,333 food packets distributed.
In Chennai, 62,267 persons have been given shelter in 97 relief camps and 17,28,349 food packets have been distributed. As many as 470 pumps, 75 super suckers for removing stagnating water, 82 JCBs and other equipment have been used. Power supply had been cut in certain areas as a precautionary measure and it would be restored once the water recedes. Due to the measures taken on a war footing, thousands of people in distress have been evacuated from flood affected areas.