Chennai:
Several Tamil Nadu Ministers today visited rain-ravaged areas in and around the city and reviewed the relief work.
DMK treasurer M K Stalin and DMDK chief Vijayakanth too visited rain-hit areas and distributed aid.
Dairy Minister B V Ramana alongwith Tiruvallur District Collector Veera Raghava Rao inspected Gyayiru village panchayat in neighbouring Tiruvallur district where Kosasthalai river has breached, indundating residential quarters and farm fields, an official release said.
Industries Minister P Thangamai inspected Madhavaram and supervised flushing out of rain water.
Handloom Minister Gokula Indira distributed food to residents near ICF Colony in Anna Nagar.
Another release said police personnel evacuated marooned residents of CTO Colony in Mudichur.
Special medical camps were held by the Chennai Corporation to prevent outbreak of communicable diseases.
Stalin, who visited some north Chennai areas and distributed relief materials to the people, criticised the ruling AIADMK regime for its management of rains and flood situation.
"People are unable to move out as streets are inundated and could not remain indoors too as water has entered houses," he said.
Vijayakanth too visited neighbourhoods including Otteri, Sozhinganallur, Velachery, Taramani and distributed relief aid including rice, dhoti and sarees.
Meanwhile, release of surplus water from Chembarambakkam reservoir here has been reduced to 7,500 cusecs.
The reservoir, one of the main water-bodies that cater to the drinking water needs of the city, was opened yesterday as the water level reached its capacity and the surplus was let into Adyar river, further flooding low-lying settlements along its banks.
"The release of surplus water has been reduced in a phased manner and effective tonight (8 PM), the release will be to the tune of 7,500 cusecs of water," an official release said.
Several subways in the city like the St Thomas Mount and arterial roads in downtown and suburbs continued to be flooded inconveniencing motorists even as authorities speeded up efforts to flush out water.