As Cyclone Ditwah continues to bring persistent rain and renewed flooding to Chennai, the city’s health authorities have activated an extensive preparedness plan to prevent a surge in monsoon-related illnesses. The increased waterlogging across neighborhoods has prompted officials to focus on early detection and quick response to common seasonal ailments such as fever, diarrhea, fungal infections, and injuries, while also preparing for potential snake-bite cases.
State Director of Public Health, Dr. A. Somasundaram, confirmed that all 424 upgraded Primary Health Centres (PHCs) across Tamil Nadu, including 140 in Chennai, have been placed on high alert with doctors, nurses, and support staff on continuous duty. These health centers have been instructed to stock essential supplies, including Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), antifungal ointments, paracetamol, and anti-snake venom serum. To reach flood-affected areas, five mobile medical units and 15 vans from the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram have been deployed across Chennai to offer basic medical care and first aid.
Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials announced that families displaced by flooding will be moved to one of the 215 relief centers, where screening for fever and other ailments will be conducted. City Health Officer Dr. M. Jagadeesan added that if advanced treatment is required, patients will be immediately referred to the nearest government hospital. Authorities are also using digital surveillance, monitoring social media platforms like X, to quickly track and respond to potential illness clusters reported by the public. Residents, especially pregnant women, senior citizens, and those with chronic illnesses, have been advised to secure essential documents against possible damage during evacuation.
