Train services resumed in Chennai on Sunday, with the airport expected to start its 24-hour domestic and international functions on Monday. Armed forces and the National Disaster Response Force have called off aerial rescues and are now focusing on making relief material available to everyone and monitoring the outbreak of diseases. The Times of India reported that lack of coordination between government officials and the military has hampered relief work in Chennai in some instances, though electricity has been restored in many areas and mobile network connectivity is limping back to normalcy as well. On Sunday, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy wrote to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to offer support and said that the Kerala government was ready to provide aid.
As services slowly resume in Chennai, resentment towards the government is growing. Prices of basic necessities have risen, while residents have started complaining of stagnant water and poor drainage systems and infrastructure. Other districts in Tamil Nadu affected by the monsoon, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram and Cuddalore, are still heavily inundated, more so than the state capital in some places. Some weather reports also predict more rain in the days to come, causing renewed worry to the residents.
Puducherry Chief Minister N Rengasamy has said he will be asking the Centre for Rs 200 crore to help rehabilitate the union territory which has also been ravaged by the monsoon. Rengasamy on Sunday said that Karaikal and Puducherry have suffered extensive damage in the rains.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!