Ola launches boat service in rain-affected Chennai

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a first, taxi operator Ola has deployed boats in the rain affected Chennai to rescue people from water-logged areas and take them to safer places.

To be handled by professional rowers and fishers, the Ola boats will also supply food and drinking water free-of-cost.

"Ola deployed boats in waterlogged and partially submerged areas on the basis of information from the Fire and Rescue department", Ola said in a statement.

The boats are equipped with two rowers, sufficient umbrellas and can ferry between five to nine people in a trip.

"While we are addressing the increased demand for transportation in city, we are working closely with local stakeholders to help ferry those stranded in water-logged areas.", Ola, Business Head (Tamil Nadu), Ravi Teja said.

The boat service would be available for next three days and will be extended if water-logging continues, it added.

Normal lives have been affected heavily in Tamil Nadu due to incessant rains while led to huge loss of properties.

About 70 have been reported to be dead due to the rain.

Educational institutions have also been closed.