The normalcy, however, could be shortlived as the low pressure that persists at Bay of Bengal is expected to bring further rains over northern Tamil Nadu districts, including Chennai.
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A major cleaning operation was launched in the areas where the water levels have receded to prevent an epidemic outbreak.
The National Disaster Response Force, a specialist federal unit set up to handle emergencies, would send 20 more teams in addition to the 28 already on the ground, Mishra said.
Educational institutions in Chennai, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallore remained closed following the weather office’s forecast on Sunday of more rain.
Chennai city, which has been experiencing intermittent rains, would continue to be cloudy and rain or thundershowers, at times heavy, are likely.
Apart from reaching food, drinking water and other essential items to those affected, the authorities were also making effforts to clear the garbage in the streets and restore power, water supply and telecom services.
“As of now, the situation due to the impact of floods is improving, and the situation will be fully normal in a few days”, she said as water receded from most parts of the city and its suburbs.
As a precautionary measure, the state government has declared holidays for schools and colleges on Monday in the districts, including Chennai, Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur.
Presently Air India, IndiGo, Jet Airways and TrueJet have started domestic operations.
Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ahok Gajapathi Raju met Jayalalithaa after inspecting the airport, whose runway came under water, forcing the airport’s closure.
The Railways ran 70 special trains carrying 45,000 passengers to their destinations.
“The focus has been shifted to relief operations carried out in coordination with the civil administration”, a defence spokesperson told Deccan Herald on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said that the relief help will be deposited in bank accounts of beneficiaries and aid-in-kind like rice, dhoti and sari will be distributed through Public Distribution system stores, she said.
Supply of vegetables saw a marked improvement though prices were on the higher side. The announcement comes days after DMK chief Karunanidhi hit out at the ruling AIADMK regime over flood relief. It asked volunteers to complain to party headquarters or police if at all such demands were made.
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As soon as messages went viral on social media claiming that “AIADMK workers” were asking NGOs to paste “Amma” stickers over relief material, the party denied them.
