Chennai’s Flood Crisis Worsens with the Emergence of an Oil Spill

Chennai is currently facing the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung, with devastating floods that have left parts of the city submerged. In the Ennore area, a viral video has emerged showing layers of oil floating on the floodwater. This has raised concerns about the source of the oil discharge and its potential impact on the environment.

Ennore is home to several oil refineries and petrochemical industries, making it a crucial area for the oil industry. The police are currently investigating and trying to trace the origin of the oil spill. The crude oil has reportedly spilled into the Buckingham Canal, a significant waterway in the region. In the viral videos, the oil can be seen flowing freely along the canal’s surface, heading towards a nearby river. This has raised concerns about the contamination of the aquatic ecosystem in the area.

Chennai has been struggling with severe waterlogging due to the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Michaung. The floodwaters have caused immense damage and have left many people stranded in their homes. The oil spill has added to the already existing problems faced by the city.

Chennai Petrochemicals Limited (CPCL), located in Manali, has denied any leakage at its refinery. It stated that the flooding caused by the cyclone led to unprecedented flooding inside the refinery and other industries in the area. Despite the challenging situation, CPCL ensured the uninterrupted and safe operation of the refinery.

Efforts are currently underway to pump out stagnant water in various parts of the city. The Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard are also providing assistance by dropping food and medical supplies from helicopters.

The authorities are urgently working to address the oil spill issue and prevent further damage to the environment. Improved flood prevention measures are also being highlighted as a critical need for Chennai to prevent such devastating situations in the future.