242 spots in Chennai inundated

A number of stormwater drains, on which work is under way, collapsed due to heavy flow of water on arterial roads such as Poonamallee High Road. Photo: S.R. Raghunathan

As many as 242 spots in the city were inundated on Monday.

Metro Rail work was suspended near Egmore after the Gengu Reddy subway was inundated and traffic was disrupted for three hours.

Seventy-four pumpsets were used to reduce water stagnation on many stretches. Fourteen trees in Teynampet, Thiru.Vi.Ka. Nagar, Anna Nagar, Kodambakkam and Adyar were uprooted.

A number of stormwater drains, on which work is under way, collapsed due to heavy flow of water on arterial roads such as Poonamallee High Road. “In the morning, there was a sudden rush of water in the incomplete drain, and it broke under the impact,” said Nallusamy, a resident.

Work on many watersheds is under way as part of the JNNURM-funded project. In addition to the existing 23 night shelters in the city, the Chennai Corporation will soon start an additional 33 night shelters.

Residents have been asked to call Chennai Corporation (1913), Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (155333), Chennai Collectorate (1077) and Metrowater (45674567) inany emergencies.