ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Outbreak of Diseases, Hygiene Biggest Concern for Chennaiites

One of main problems after the water receded has been to control the spread of diseases.

Published
India
2 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

The flood water has receded from Chennai and people are making an effort to return to their normal lives.

Schools and colleges are expected to remain closed until Wednesday, even as the city saw some sunlight after many days on Monday morning.

Many flights took off and trains resumed their regular schedule, as people got back to work.

One of main problems after the water receded has been to control the spread of diseases.

The Hindu reported that piles of garbage had been swept up by the flood waters, sewage had entered homes and where the flood waters have not yet receded, there is an unbearable stench. In some areas, people have spotted carcasses floating by, and rodents and snakes run riot in abandoned homes. The situation is ripe for an epidemic if the state is not prepared, public health experts have warned.

The Met department has predicted that Chennai will see slight rainfall, as will other areas like Kanchipuram and Cuddalore. However, areas like Tiruvallur and Tirunelveli are expected to receive heavy rain on Tuesday.

After a long time, some parts of Tamil Nadu including Erode, Salem and Vellore are predicted to be ‘dry’.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
One of main problems after the water receded has been to control the spread of diseases.
A woman rescued from the Chennai floods sitting in front of a garbage pile. (Photo: AP)

In Chennai, the interior areas of Mudichur, Manali, Semmenchery, Pallikaranai and Thiruvekaadhu are still waterlogged, as are parts of Vyasarpaadi, Porur, CIT Nagar, KK Nagar, Nandanam (towards SIET college) and T Nagar. Water has been pumped out of many places, but the resulting debris are yet to be cleared.

Many railway stations have become a welcome source of refuge for those in distress. People in Pallavan Nagar for instance, near the Cooum, have taken refuge in Chintadripet railway station.

The Indian Express reported that the floods left many people traumatised as counsellors and psychiatrists have started receiving numerous calls from people facing an emotional breakdown in the wake of the calamity. While some of these callers were left distraught by the deaths of their loved ones, others were struggling to come to terms with the fact that the calamity hit them even though they acquired all kinds of social securities.

Meanwhile, the Government of India on Monday announced that all passports damaged or lost due to the torrential rains in Chennai will be replaced free of charge.

The IT sector also faced a loss as the rain not only hampered production processes for days, but also triggered a shortage of essential supplies for production to resume.

Reports also added that over 165 BSE-listed companies, worth over Rs 285,000 crore, that run operations in Chennai have been hit.

The Times of India reported that mobile phones crackled back to life, and people were talking long hours sharing woes and exchanging hopes. ATMs and petrol filling stations opened to long queues. At the last count by police, the state-wide casualty stood at 427, including 134 in Chennai, but the toll is likely to be higher.

0
ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and india

Topics:  Tamil Nadu   Debris   Chennai Flood 

Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×