Chennai, Nov 30 (NationPress) As Cyclone Ditwah unleashes relentless rainfall, the city's health authorities have initiated a comprehensive preparedness strategy to mitigate the risk of an uptick in monsoon-associated health issues.

The significant increase in waterlogging in various neighborhoods has prompted officials to concentrate on early detection and rapid response to seasonal illnesses such as fever, diarrhea, fungal infections, and injuries, while also gearing up for a potential rise in snake-bite incidents.

State Director of Public Health, Dr. A. Somasundaram, confirmed that all 424 upgraded primary health centers (PHCs) across Tamil Nadu—including 140 in Chennai—are now on heightened alert. “Medical personnel are on duty at all upgraded PHCs, with a nurse available on call after hours to guarantee continuous service,” he stated.

Urban health centers have been instructed to stock essential supplies such as oral rehydration salts, antifungal creams for waterborne ailments, paracetamol, anti-snake venom serum, antibiotics, and other critical medicines.

To assist those in flooded areas, five mobile medical units and 15 vehicles from the government’s Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram—usually for school health assessments—have been deployed throughout Chennai to provide first aid and basic healthcare.

Additional vehicles are on standby in Tiruvallur and Chengalpattu districts should conditions deteriorate. Officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) reported that families displaced by flooding will be relocated to one of the 215 relief centers, where screenings for fever and other health issues will be conducted.

“Should anyone need advanced treatment, they will be promptly referred to the nearest government hospital,” stated city health officer Dr. M. Jagadeesan. He also mentioned that electricians and plumbers are on standby to ensure a reliable power supply in all hospitals and urban health centers.

Residents, especially pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with chronic health conditions, have been advised to secure their medical records and important documents in dry, safe locations to prevent damage during potential evacuations. Public health teams are actively monitoring social media platforms, including X, to identify possible clusters of illness as reported by the public.

Officials noted that this digital surveillance will enable a swift response with field teams or virtual medical assistance. While the current number of cases remains manageable, the city anticipates a gradual rise in monsoon-related health problems in the coming days due to ongoing rainfall from Cyclone Ditwah.