The Government of India on Monday announced that all passports damaged or lost due to the torrential rains in Chennai, will be replaced free of charge.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted, "If your passport is lost or damaged in floods, pl go to any of three Passport Seva Kendra's in Chennai. They will issue u fresh passport free of charge."
If your passport is lost or damaged in floods, pl go to any of three PSKs in Chennai. They will issue u fresh passport free of charge. Pl RT
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 7, 2015As Chennai and adjoining districts prepare to get back to normal life, this decision will be welcomed by the residents after the suffering and loss they have borne, due to the floods caused by the incessant rains.
The airport was temporarily shut down, and many people were stranded in their homes without food, water or electricity.
According to a Times of India report, around 450 people have died as a consequence of the heavy rains.