Officials expecting death toll to rise once the water levels recede, revealing drowned bodies
old woman
Chennai: Just as life began to limp to normalcy amid persisting power cuts and food shortages, heavy rains battered Chennai and three other Tamil Nadu districts again on Friday evening, where floods and downpour have now claimed 325 lives.
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Homeless: An old woman rests on the kerbstone after being rescued from a flooded locality in rain-hit Chennai. Pic/PTI
Thousands of military personnel and social activists were engaged in a major operation of supplying food, water and blankets to thousands trapped in waterlogged neighbourhoods — and rescuing the still marooned. There was relief as water levels in the main reservoirs and rivers began to fall. But numerous areas were still under water, residents across the city told media persons.
The rains have caused widespread destruction in the districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, Kanchipuram and Thiruvallur in Tamil Nadu. By all accounts, the state capital bore the brunt. —Agencies
Power failure claims lives of 14 patients
Fourteen patients admitted in an intensive care unit of a private hospital died due to power failure following floods, a top official said yesterday. Prithivi Mohandas, managing director, MIOT Hospital told reporters that lights and equipment did not work and that everything has to be done manually. Power supply has been cut off in flood-affected areas in Chennai and the neighbourhood. Floodwaters broke the hospital compound wall and damaged the generator.
Doctors warn of epidemic
As the water level started receding in Chennai and three other districts in Tamil Nadu after several days of incessant rainfall, medical experts yesterday asked people to take necessary precautions as chances of an epidemic loom large. The doctors, who have been part of several disaster management’s medical team, have advised to maintain proper personal hygiene.
“Diseases like cholera, diarrhoea would spread and various types of infections will increase.” said D K Sharma.
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