In TN, Centre's digital transaction push falls flat in wake of Cyclone Vardah

Online transactions have been affected severely due to lack of internet connectivity and electricity; essential goods remain out of reach of cashless public

The Cyclone Vardah has further dented Centre's black money exercise through demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 in Chennai and two neighbouring districts, as people could not use their debit card and credit cards for transactions. This has raised questions whether the country is geared up for complete digital transactions, which the Centre has been pushing hard for, during natural calamities. Meanwhile, the Cyclone Vardah has resulted in $1 billion loss for the industry, estimates Assocham.

Online transactions went bust at many shops due to lack of network connectivity and those who had no currency with them could not purchase essential products.

A day after Cyclone Vardah, which brought heavy rains and winds as high as 120-140 kmph, power cuts continued in Chennai and its neighbouring districts of Kanchipuram and Tiruvallur.

On Tuesday, while people were trying to bring back to normal life the power cut has been a major bottleneck. TNEB has decided to cut the power for two days in a row taking people's safety into account, as around 4,000 electric posts have fallen down due to heavy winds.

While schools and colleges remain closed on Tuesday, factories and IT offices have reopened, but many of them, especially SMEs, could not function due to power cut and non-availability of diesel. The gas stations turned away customers since most of the POS machines were not working due to connectivity issue as most of network services were down.

A similar situation was witnessed at stores, where people lined up to buy essential products including water and milk.

Public couldn't access ATMs and bank branches remained closed for fourth straight day.