When the water recedes, leaving death and destruction in its wake, there’s only one question – why does Chennai flood, year after year, and why is nothing done about it?
When Cyclone Michaung hit Chennai on December 4, the state government claimed to be prepared. Over 160 relief camps were set up, the National Disaster Relief Force was deployed, emergency helpline numbers were circulated for everything from electricity to sewage to animal rescue to boats. Ministers were responsive on social media, organising rescues, oxygen cylinders and food. When trees toppled in the wind, corporation staff arrived soon after to clear them away.
