Opposition criticism will not affect AIADMK: Valarmathi

Speaking to mediapersons at Ripon Buildings, she said it was wrong to suggest that the state was not providing food to stranded people. “We are not giving away food packets only near the highways or main roads. We are reaching out to everyone in interior locations,” she said.

The minister for handlooms and textiles S. Gokula Indira, who was also present, said nearly all the 13 lakh food packets distributed by corporation were made in Amma Canteens.

“The Amma Canteens in the city have been working 24/7 to cook safe food for people,” she said.

Responding to a query that stagnation complaints were not addressed, she said that “Everyone is saying water has entered their homes, but no one is saying that he or she has not got food. Everyone is appealing that Amma should save them but like the Chief Minister said, a natural calamity cannot be stopped.” The government was trying to control the damage caused by rain, she said.

Valarmathi said there was only one casualty due to rain. “We handed over Rs 4 lakh to the kin of the deceased on Monday. We are handing out cash compensation within 48 hours,” she said.

More than 100 animals, including cows, dogs and cats, have been rescued so far and around 500 packets of bread have also been distributed. At the Blue Cross office in Velachery, you will find many abandoned dogs soaked in flood waters roaming around in the reception area.

While some are three legged or some do not have an eye and a nose. Inside the building, there are several canals for dogs. Inside the canals some of the dogs are down with fever and unable to move.

Due to heavy downpour and flood many cows are suffering from respiratory problems and are immovable. Veterinarians were busy giving injections and tending to them. Puppies that are otherwise very playful looked weak after staying soaked in flood waters.

Until Monday, more than 100 cows and dogs have been rescued, the general manager of Blue Cross, Dawn William, said. “Our members went to all flooded areas and rescued dogs and cows. We have put them on high platforms and they are fine now. The one we rescued were all soaked in water. The cats can’t tolerate water so our members tried their best to save cats as much as possible,” said Dawn William

Animals were provided green grass and around 500 packets of bread, he said. The rescued animals are mostly suffering from respiratory problem, fever, cough and cold, said Dr R.M. Kannambal while treating a Labrador.

“People are so selfish. During rains, they dumped these animals on us saying they can’t take care of them. Normally we rescue dogs whenever they are injured. But now due to floods we are trying to rescue as many street dogs and cats possible,” said Sunder Shankar Rajhan, CEO of Blue Cross.

Blue Cross has also prepared a rainwater storage area for the monsoon season so that water does not enter the building, he said.