Record Rain In Chennai, City Keeps Boats On Stand-by, Fearing Flood

Chennai: Chennai has witnessed record rains over the last 48 hours and more is expected as the cyclone bypassed the Indian coast and moved towards Bangladesh today. With memories of the December floods in the city still fresh, the civic authorities have started massive emergency preparations. "There have been warnings of very heavy rain, so we could not take chances... We have learnt a lesson from the December floods," Chennai Municipal commissioner Chandramohan told NDTV. The civic authorities have deployed nearly 12,000 people across the city to conduct the operations, boats have been stationed at multiple locations for emergency rescue, said Mr Chandramohan.  Four teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in low-lying areas. Sewage lines in Chennai have started overflowing in many areas due to rain caused by the cyclonic winds. "Water from subways is being pumped out to ensure free flow of traffic," Mr Chandramohan added. The authorities have also set up an emergency number -- 1070 - to receive rainfall-related grievances.   NDTV