35 inundated locations drained, 22 subways cleared; 227 relief centres and 36 boats kept ready as heavy rain warning continues
Chennai, October 2026: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday reviewed Chennai’s preparedness for the northeast monsoon and directed officials across departments to work in close coordination as the city braces for further heavy rainfall.
The review came after torrential rain overnight caused waterlogging at 35 locations across Chennai, amid forecasts of heavy showers. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) said all 35 locations had been cleared of accumulated water using motor pumps deployed as a precautionary measure. Fallen trees at 22 locations had also been removed, restoring traffic movement.
During his visit to the Integrated Command and Control Centre at Ripon Buildings, the Chief Minister reviewed rainfall data, monitoring arrangements for subways, canals and river outfalls, and the action taken on public complaints.
Vijay instructed officials to respond promptly to complaints and praised municipal and other departmental personnel for their efforts following Saturday night’s heavy rainfall. He also stressed the need for stronger coordination and accelerated preparations in view of the weather warning.
Subways Cleared, Food Distributed to Residents
According to the GCC, rainwater has been drained from all 22 subways in the city to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Food was distributed to 13,500 people on Sunday morning in areas affected by waterlogging. The civic body has also kept 227 temporary relief centres ready for residents of low-lying areas, along with 112 centralised kitchens prepared to cook and distribute meals if required.
The arrangements are intended to ensure that residents affected by flooding can access shelter, food and emergency assistance during periods of intense rainfall.
Pumps, Vehicles and Rescue Equipment on Standby
The corporation has mobilised an extensive range of equipment for emergency response and water removal. A total of 1,189 vehicles and machines have been kept ready for rescue and relief operations.
The available resources include 676 high-capacity motor pumps owned by the corporation, 134 rented pumps with a capacity of 100 horsepower, 648 tractor-mounted pumps and 109 water-collection tanks.
The GCC has also kept 36 boats ready, while the Fisheries Department has provided another 97 boats to evacuate people safely from low-lying areas if necessary.
To deal with fallen trees and obstructions, the corporation has arranged 15 Shaktiman chainsaws, 231 power saws, 52 telescopic saws and tree-cutting equipment mounted on five vehicles.
These resources are intended to help emergency teams respond quickly to waterlogging, blocked roads and other problems caused by heavy rain.
Departments Asked to Strengthen Coordination
Chief Minister Vijay directed all departments to intensify their preparedness and maintain effective coordination as the heavy rainfall warning remains in force.
The review meeting was attended by ministers Aadhav Arjuna, Dr K. G. Arunraj, K. A. Sengottaiyan, P. Venkataramanan, Rajmohan, C. Ramesh and Dr R. Kumar.
Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, senior officials from the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, police, Water Resources Department and other agencies also participated. GCC Commissioner Dr G. S. Sameeran was present.
With additional rainfall possible, the state government and civic authorities are focusing on drainage, traffic management, emergency evacuation, food distribution and relief arrangements. Officials have been instructed to remain alert and ensure that complaints and emergencies are addressed without delay.
