Chennai: Wiser with experience, several residents' welfare associatoins managed to stave off inundation and supply chain issues during and after Cyclone Fengal by resorting to preemptive measures such as clearing blockages and culverts, besides helping the needy reach relief camps.
Amidst heavy rain, M Balakrishnan, secretary of Tansi Nagar RWA in Velachery, made several visits to check blockages near the six-vent culvert in Velachery leading to Pallikaranai marsh. "GCC extended its pond bunds up to the water flow area near the culvert. This reduced the flow capacity and it would affect several neighbourhoods in Velachery, beyond the Velachery-MRTS station road," he said. Residents recorded videos of the issues and flagged them to officials.
Similarly, R Ramesh, a resident of Mylapore inspected the overflowing Chitrakulam and flagged improper disposal from the tank. "Water from here has to go to Buckingham Canal and the disposals in drains at Sankarapuram area, Alamelu Street are not desilted," he said. He also took videos, along with those of Santhome High Road, R A Puram 5th Main Road, and flagged the issues to officials.
In Tambaram, several volunteers helped the corporation rescue stranded people. Jagadesan, a resident of Amman Koil Street in Thiruneermalai, was relocated to a relief camp on Saturday as his home got flooded. Volunteers from across Tambaram worked alongside corporation officials to help families like his move to safety. "This happens every monsoon, but no permanent solution was offered. It's exhausting," said Jagadesan.
Relief camps set up in nearby schools and community halls are providing shelter to affected families. Volunteers have arranged food, essential supplies and sandbags to block water from entering more homes. "We are doing everything we can to ensure families are safe and supported during this crisis," president of the united federation of residents welfare associations Govindarajan V said.
In Pallavaram, young boys braved strong winds and pouring rain to assist commuters. They guided pedestrians through waterlogged roads, warned motorists about hidden potholes, and helped two-wheelers stuck in knee-deep water. "Last year, my friend's brother met with an accident after a barricade toppled during heavy rains here. We want to make sure it does not happen to others again," said Tarun G, one of the volunteers from Pallavaram.
Tambaram corporation commissioner S Balachander said motor pumps were deployed to reduce waterlogging, and uprooted trees are being cleared.