The Greater Chennai Corporation has kept 1,189 vehicles and pieces of machinery, 133 boats and 227 temporary relief centres ready as part of its preparedness for the northeast monsoon as Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay reviewed the precautionary measures taken by the civic body on Sunday.

The preparedness measures include deploying motor pumps to drain water from low-lying areas, monitoring subways, canals and river mouths, preparing relief centres and central kitchens, and strengthening rescue arrangements ahead of further heavy rainfall, says a release.

Vijay visited the Integrated Command and Control Centre at the Ripon Buildings complex on Sunday and reviewed rainfall monitoring, the status of tunnels, canals and river mouths, and action taken on complaints received from the public. He directed officials to respond promptly to grievances and asked all departments to coordinate their efforts in view of the heavy rainfall warning.

The review followed heavy overnight rainfall on October 17, with Parry’s Corner recording 36 cm, Kathivakkam 34 cm, and Manali and Ennore 21 cm each, according to the release.

Drainage and rescue arrangements

The Corporation has kept 676 motor pumps, 134 high-capacity pumps and 648 tractor-mounted pumps ready for draining rainwater, along with 109 water-collection tanks. These arrangements are intended to enable quick removal of water from vulnerable locations.

The Fisheries Department has kept 36 boats on standby, while the Corporation has arranged another 97 boats for rescue operations in low-lying areas.

The civic body has also readied equipment for removing fallen trees and branches, including 15 power-operated machines, 231 additional powered machines and 52 telescopic machines, besides five vehicles.

The Corporation has identified 227 temporary relief centres to accommodate people from low-lying areas. It has also kept 112 central kitchens ready, with provisions for preparing and distributing food to people affected by heavy rain, the release said.

Published on October 18, 2026