Introduction
The frequency of floods in Chennai has risen significantly due to escalating population and rapid urbanization, affecting areas like Semmenchery and Perumbakkam. These regions have faced enduring struggles due to overcrowding and inadequate infrastructure. The recent Michaung Cyclone severely impacted these areas, causing extensive damage and health risks. Immediate relief efforts were helpful, but long-term solutions are crucial. Better urban planning, increased community preparedness, and reinforced public health infrastructure are essential to protect vulnerable populations in flood-prone areas. Collaborative efforts should focus on sustained measures for lasting resilience.
Michaung Cyclone Impact on Semmenchery and Perumbakkam
The cyclone isolated Semmenchery and Perumbakkam residents, cutting off access to essential services and supplies. Ground-floor residences were severely flooded, damaging property and causing distress. Vulnerable groups, such as children, pregnant women, the elderly, and differently-abled individuals, faced challenges accessing relief materials and medical aid. Prolonged exposure to water and unhygienic conditions posed health risks, and the destruction of personal belongings, loss of wages, and disruptions in daily life added to the residents' distress.
Recurring flooding made life unbearable, even with minimal rains. The recent cyclone worsened the situation with constant rainfall, leading to stagnant water and inadequate drainage. The flood left streets filled with garbage, dead animals, and damaged belongings, and schools, Anganwadi centers, and the Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC) were entirely submerged.
Residents faced obstacles such as reptiles entering homes and power outages hindering communication. Access to basic necessities like clean drinking water and sufficient food was severely restricted, and contamination of water supplies increased health risks. Many residents lost important documents, suffered damage to vehicles, and students lost their books and notebooks. The damage extended to elevators in Perumbakkam, forcing residents to endure significant hardships climbing multiple floors.
Relief Efforts by Thozhamai
Initial Phase of Relief Work
Thozhamai responded swiftly, providing essential supplies such as food, water, sanitation items, and medical aid. They prioritized vulnerable groups and collaborated with other organizations, educational institutions, and media entities to facilitate donations and support relief operations.
Field staff, including Ms. Kanchana, Ms. Lavanya, Mr. Saran Raj, and motivators, distributed essential items and launched fundraising initiatives. They used social media to highlight the needs of the affected areas and coordinated the delivery of materials.
Second Phase of Relief Work
Conditions in Semmenchery and Perumbakkam were reported to the government, yielding a positive response. Thozhamai made recommendations for swift removal of flooding, complete cleaning of impacted areas, establishment of medical camps, repair camps for damaged vehicles, and provision of provisions to affected families.
Relief Work in Other Communities
Thozhamai collaborated with RebuildIndia to provide essential aid to Periya Putheri, Oragadam New Colony, and Kundrathu Kuppam in Thiruporur. A total of 100 grocery kits, valued at Rs. 50,000, were distributed.
Relief materials were efficiently distributed in Ambedkar Nagar, Karapakkam, Chennai, and to 11 families rescued from bonded labor in Kayarambedu, Guduvancheri, Chengalpattu district. Thozhamai also supported 50 families in Sunnambu Kalvaai, Korukkupet, with relief kits containing sarees, towels, and bed sheets.
Way forward
The Michaung Cyclone in Semmenchery and Perumbakkam highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies. The combined efforts of NGOs like Thozhamai and governmental interventions were instrumental in providing immediate relief. However, long-term solutions involving better infrastructure, community empowerment, and proactive disaster preparedness are imperative to safeguard the well-being of vulnerable populations in the face of future calamities.
