Updated 20 June 2019
The Situation:
Four reservoirs that supply Chennai, have run nearly dry. With low groundwater levels and
insufficient rainwater collection systems, the state government has resorted to trucking
water directly into Chennai neighborhoods, where hundreds of thousands of residents wait
in line for their minimal allocation.
At least 550 people were arrested Wednesday in the city of Coimbatore for protesting with
empty water containers in front of the municipal government's headquarters, accusing
officials of negligence and mismanagement.
People have begun fighting over water, with minor clashes across Chennai. Trucks bringing
water into cities have even been hijacked and drivers attacked. In response to the ongoing
crisis in Tamil Nadu, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) opposition party is calling for
state-wide protests on June 22.
What to Expect:
Water restrictions in place
Access to water in hotels may be limited
Closing of restaurants and other businesses
Local demonstrations can begin spontaneously and escalate with little warning, disrupting transportation systems and city services, or may turn violent
Mitigation Factors to Apply:
Monitor local news media for updates
Enroll in the Safe Traveler program (STEP) to receive warnings from the U.S. Embassy
Keep bottled water nearby
Remain alert to changing situations
Avoids all crowds, protests and demonstrations
DISCLAIMER and Hold Harmless
Disclaimer: LSDS gathers information from multiple sources and offers insight and perspective to travelers. Sources cannot be validated for accuracy in every instance. Travelers assume all risk associated with their travel and are responsible for the decisions associated with travel and for their own safety. Users of this reference document agree, to hold harmless LSDS (LLC) its employees and clients associated with any risk or injury incurred during travel.
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