With no let up in rains, the Tamil Nadu government on Thursday sought Army's help to provide assistance to people of Chennai as normal life came to a standstill in the metropolis and its suburbs.
Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, who reviewed the situation with the officials on the situation in the city which was battered by an extraordinary heavy spell of rain on Thursday morning, said the armed forces had been alerted to immediately provide assistance in conjunction with the civil administration.
The city experienced 21 cm of rain in just five hours, while the 24 hours ending 8.30 am registered 27 cm, she said.
The unprecedented downpour had resulted in heavy water-logging and in some places trees had fallen and blocked traffic. She directed the officials to remove road blocks immediately and restore traffic.
The State Electricity Board, as a precautionary step to avoid deaths due to electrocution, disconnected power supply wherever heavy flooding had taken place, Jayalalithaa said adding she had directed the EB to restore supply after ensuring safety.
About 50,000 people had been evacuated from low-lying areas and accommodated in relief centres opened by Chennai Corporation and food packets would be distributed in these centres, she said.
{{/usCountry}}About 50,000 people had been evacuated from low-lying areas and accommodated in relief centres opened by Chennai Corporation and food packets would be distributed in these centres, she said.
{{/usCountry}}Seven ministers and eight IAS officers had been deputed to undertake relief work on a war-footing, she said.
She also visited many flood affected areas in the city.