For anything rain-related inside Corporation limits, the first number to call is 1913, the Greater Chennai Corporation’s round-the-clock complaint line. For life-threatening emergencies anywhere in the state, the Tamil Nadu disaster helplines are 1070 (state) and 1077 (district).
We have checked each number below against the agency’s own website where it publishes one, and against helpline lists issued during recent monsoons where it does not. Save the ones you need on your phone now, because mobile data is often the first thing to slow down on a bad night.
Corporation: waterlogging, fallen trees, drains
- 1913: GCC complaint number, shown on the Corporation website. Use it for water stagnation, blocked drains, fallen trees and rescue requests within city limits.
- WhatsApp: the Corporation lists two WhatsApp chatbot numbers, 94450 61913 and 94455 51913.
- Namma Chennai app: available on Android and iOS, linked from the GCC website. You can attach a photo and location.
- Control room landlines: during the 2023 and 2024 monsoons, the Corporation published 044-2561 9204, 044-2561 9206 and 044-2561 9207 as additional lines for its Ripon Building command centre, DT Next reported. Treat these as back-ups if 1913 is busy.
On 18 October, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna repeated that residents should use 1913 to report waterlogging and emergencies, DT Next reported, as the state ran a control room at Ezhilagam and the Corporation’s command centre at Ripon Building.
State disaster helplines
- 1070: State Emergency Operations Centre, run by the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
- 1077: district control room. From a Chennai number, this reaches the Chennai district control room.
- 94458 69848: state WhatsApp number for rain-related help, as published during Cyclone Fengal in November 2024, per DT Next.
If you live in the suburbs, note that Tambaram, Avadi and the areas of Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur districts have their own control rooms. Dialling 1077 from a local number usually routes to the right district.
During the October 2024 rains, district administrations published these additional lines, as compiled by DT Next. They are worth keeping, but confirm them on the district’s own channels this year:
- Tambaram Corporation: toll-free 1800 425 4355 and 1800 425 1600; WhatsApp 84383 53355.
- Tiruvallur district: 044-2766 4177 and 044-2766 6746; WhatsApp 94443 17862.
- Chengalpattu district: 044-2742 7412 and 044-2742 7414; WhatsApp 99442 72345.
- Kancheepuram district: 044-2723 7107; WhatsApp 80562 21077.
Water, sewage and power
- Chennai Metro Water: 1916 (toll-free) and 044-4567 4567 for water supply and sewage complaints, as listed on the CMWSSB complaints page. Use these for sewage overflow into streets or contaminated supply.
- 14420: national helpline for complaints about unsafe septic tank and sewer cleaning, also listed by Metro Water.
- Electricity (Minnagam): 94987 94987 for power complaints, including snapped wires and sparking poles, as listed in 2026 reports. If a line is down in water, keep everyone away and call immediately.
Power cuts during heavy rain are not always faults. Officials said on 18 October that electricity may be switched off temporarily in severely flooded areas as a safety measure, so check with neighbours before logging a complaint. Report sparking, a fallen pole or a live wire straight away, though, even if the area supply is off.
Police, ambulance and others
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 100 |
| Traffic police | 103 |
| Ambulance | 108 |
| Women’s helpline | 181 |
| Childline | 1098 |
| LPG leak | 1906 |
| Snake rescue (Forest Department) | 044-2220 0335 |
| Chennai Metro Rail | 1860 425 1515 |
These numbers appeared in the helpline list circulated during Cyclone Michaung in December 2023, reported by The News Minute, and most were repeated in the Fengal list in 2024. Snakes are common in flooded ground floors, so the rescue number is worth saving.
Relief centres and when to move
The Corporation’s relief centre list gives the address and the officials in charge of each of its 215 centres, along with a supervising revenue officer for each zone. If you live in an old building or a low street, find yours now. On 18 October, residents of old Tamil Nadu Housing Board blocks in north Chennai were urged to move to relief centres during the heavy rain.
Tips for calling during a heavy spell:
- Give your zone, ward, street and a landmark in the first sentence.
- Note the complaint number you are given.
- Use WhatsApp with a photo if the call does not connect.
- Do not share unverified helpline lists on social media. Old numbers circulate every year.
Quick answers
What is the Chennai Corporation rain helpline?
1913, which runs round the clock. WhatsApp: 94450 61913 or 94455 51913.
Which number handles disasters statewide?
1070 for the state emergency operations centre and 1077 for the district control room.
Who do I call about sewage overflow?
Chennai Metro Water on 1916 or 044-4567 4567.
What is the power complaint number?
Minnagam, 94987 94987.
Information checked against official sources on 18 October 2026. Fees, dates and rules can change; confirm on the linked official pages before acting.
Sources
- Greater Chennai Corporation website (complaint number, WhatsApp chatbot)
- CMWSSB complaint redressal (Chennai Metro Water)
- Relief Center details (Greater Chennai Corporation)
- Cyclone Fengal: public helpline numbers issued (DT Next)
- Emergency helpline numbers issued amid heavy rains (DT Next, 2024)
- Cyclone Michaung: helplines and relief camps (The News Minute)
- Chennai power cut, complaint numbers (Sunday Guardian)
- Minister inspects waterlogged areas, war rooms (DT Next)
