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After floods, Chennai now battles to keep diseases at bay

December 08, 2015 12:48 IST

With dry weather prevailing in the flood-ravaged city and its neighbourhood, officials are now focusing on relief measures and prevention of spread of diseases.

As the water level in several low lying areas have receded, the Central and state government agencies have undertaken relief measures on a war footing.

People try to salvage materials to make a new home after the rains let up in Chennai. Photograph: PTI

Tamil Nadu government has taken steps to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities. Milk supply, which had remained erratic last week, was almost restored completely.

For supply of vegetables the government has opened shops retailing vegetables at cheaper rates.

As there has been erratic supply of fuel and LPG cylinders in city and its neighbourhood, the country’s largest oil marketing company, Indian Oil Corporation was operating its plants in full swing for meeting the demand.

Several NGOs and volunteers of various organisations have also taken relief efforts as the focus is now more on spread of epidemic.

Government doctors were visiting severely affected areas to distribute medicine for the residents to safeguard themselves against diarrhoea and other water-borne infections.

Flood-affected people raise their hands to receive free food being distributed by Indian Navy personnel in Chennai. Photograph: Anindito Mukherjee/Reuters

As piles of garbage lie in several low lying areas, authorities and various NGO were engaged in clearing it.

Corporation of Chennai and other civic bodies have deployed scores of workers to clear debris from the affected areas. The state government has brought in workers from other districts for this purpose.

Educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallore remained closed for Tuesday also.

The transport system was back to normal with public transport buses plying in all places while rail and air services have been restored since Monday.

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