Chennai rains: Banks open today to extend cash help

SBI organised doorstep service in the affected localities by opening cash points through innovative modes

All banks were open today for customers in the flood-hit districts of Tamil Nadu to ensure that people have adequate cash to purchase essential things to bring back normalcy in their lives.

The Reserve Bank also ensured that the banks were conducting their cash-based transactions in a smooth manner and also supported the cash availability for the lenders from the currency chest.

To make cash easily accessible to the customers, State Bank of India organised doorstep service in the affected localities by opening cash points through innovative modes viz, boats, autorickshaws, mobile vans, mobile ATM, handheld devices and business correspondents, it said in a statement.

SBI has also undertaken various relief measures such as distribution of food, water, blankets, medicines and utensils by procuring from nearby unaffected districts, it said.

Chennai-based Indian Bank's 328 branches with 393 ATMs were operating in the state.

The bank deployed 250 banking correspondents in Chennai, Thiruvalluvar and Kancheepuram in the flood-affected regions.

Apart from this, India Bank's branches were opened for customer services in Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thruvannamalai districts -- thee worst affected parts of the state.