Misery Swamps Chennai

Chennai, Dec 3 (IANS) Medicines, food and potable water were majorly in short supply as Chennai's flood woes continued on Thursday, with residents also complaining about loss of precious documents.

While the flooding of roads all across the city has hindered movement of people, power supply and communication lines are down, aggravating people's misery.

T.E.N. Simhan, a private sector employee, told IANS that he was desperately trying to get in touch with his cousin in West Mambalam, one of the many areas which remained flooded.

"He has to take insulin shots at regular intervals. I am not sure whether he has sufficient supplies. I am unable to reach him," Simhan said.

Similarly, hundreds of people have been marooned in the Jafferkhanpet locality near Ashok Pillar, waiting for rescue and relief.

"A friend lives there with his wife and a small kid. As the water entered their apartment, they moved to the first floor. With the water level rising, they shifted to the second floor. I don't know their condition now as the phone lines are down," said another resident.

Lack of drinking water and food are the major issues faced by those living in the flood hit areas -- and they are in hundreds of thousands in a city of over six million people.

"Water, water everywhere, and not a drop to drink has come true," remarked Lakshman, a resident of Adyar locality.

He said the Adyar river nearby was in spate and water flooded his locality up to hip level.

"Important documents, identity cards, ration cards and more have been washed away," he said.

Residents complained about largescale damage to consumer durables such as televisions and refrigerators.

Hundreds of vehicles -- cars, autorickshaws and two-wheelers -- were submerged by rain and flood water in parts of the city.

In Mylapore, an elderly lady reportedly died of chill on Wednesday as her apartment was surrounded by water.

Milk supply was hit on Thursday as supplies in normal quantity did not reach the city. In the process, half a litre of milk was sold for Rs.100 in some localities.