Chennai Corporation clears 30 per cent more garbage

Adding to the numbers, the corporation has also employed 2,000 temporary workers to go with the 23,500 workforce it already said was in place for the rain relief activity.

“The relief works have been hampered a bit due to the persistent rainfall on Monday. Between 5 and 6 pm alone, 61.5 mm of rainfall has been recorded,” said Valarmathi. She added that water levels in Cooum, Adyar and Kosasthalaiyar rivers as well as in Buckingham Canal and other drains had all risen.

“The important thing for people to know is that saving their lives is important. The government is taking all steps to ensure their safety and is providing basic food and shelter for their aid,” Valarmathi said.

On the subject of compensation to the family of the couple who lost their lives in Velachery after being electrocuted, Chennai Collector E. Sundaravalli said the victims were identified as natives of Karur. “We have sent a team to Karur to investigate and help with awarding the compensation,” she said.

Sundaravalli vehemently denied allegation that the government was under reporting casualties in the city.

“Most media reports are writing deaths in Sholinganallur and other suburban areas which do not fall under Chennai revenue division,” she added, emphasising that the official death count remains at 11.