A Week After Rains, Parts Of Chennai Still In Deep Waters

Chennai: Even after a full week of efforts to bring Chennai back to normalcy following the devastating rains, many of its residents still have to wade through sewage water when they step out of their homes.

In many pockets of North Chennai, there's still no power supply.

Kuppammal, a senior citizen living in the area, whose house suffered a wall collapse during the floods, said, "We live in stench. We have snakes and scorpions coming in".

"Its hell without power. There's no water to drink as we get sewage mixed supply," said another resident Anitha.

The civic authorities in Chennai say that they have pumped out the water and will soon address the drinking water issue.

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Many children have taken ill in the aftermath of the floods due to unhygienic living conditions say the residents.  But the government has denied any outbreak of disease.

"The unhygienic situation has triggered diseases. Children fall sick due to Malaria and Dengue," said a resident Krishnaveni.

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Social workers say there's a strong need for psychological support. The two consecutive floods and the loss of property and belongings have created fear and worry about the people's future.

"Now it's time for a head and heart approach to focus on rehabilitation and psycho-social support. There's a gap in this area and would be nice if the government puts in place a coordinated effort using all NGOs and relief agencies," a social worker Becky Swamickan said.

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Since October 1, over 350 people have died and 17.64 lakh people have become homeless as the worst rain in nearly a century battered the state.