Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday announced a holiday for schools and colleges of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts for the next two days in the wake of heavy rains which started to pound Chennai and neighbouring districts from Saturday night. The Chief Minister also requested people taking long journeys to Chennai to postpone the travel for the next two days.
On Sunday, Chief Minister visited various parts of north Chennai, Egmore, and Koluthur areas to inspect the preparedness measures against flooding and to review the current situation. The Chief Minister waded through waters to interact with the people in many places and he also distributed relief materials.
During a press meet in Ezhilagam, the Chief Minister said, “Water inundation have been reported in parts of the city and I visited places including Villivakkam and Kolathur which has been hit by the rains. I have issued orders to undertake immediate relief measure.”
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“Currently, water is removed using pumps and schools have been readied into camps for people who are being evacuated. There are 160 camps ready for people affected by rain and of the total 44 camps have already started their functions,” he said.
Therefore, the CM said, “Keeping the health of the public and children in mind, holidays for the next two days are declared to schools and colleges of Chennai and KTC. I request the people coming to Chennai to postpone your travel for the next two days.”
Meanwhile, the CM is expected to inspect the parts of South Chennai on Sunday evening. The NDRF, policemen, and fire brigade have also been deployed into service. NDRF team has been sent to Chengalpattu and Madurai as well.
The water released from Chembarambakkam and Puzhal reservoirs has been increased due to the rains in catchment areas.