Heavy downpour have hit operations of IT companies in Chennai - one of the leading IT destination in the country, but the firms say that they have invoked alternative measures to ensure there is no impact on critical services.

Most of the offices in the city, including that of IT companies, remained closed on Wednesday due to heavy rains with leading Indian firm Infosys deciding to remain closed on Thursday as well due to flooding at its premise.

Infosys said that flooding at its both campuses is under control and the water levels have started receding.

"Our business continuity plans have been activated and we have taken necessary actions to ensure client commitments are met, which includes managing work from other locations," the spokesperson said.

Cognizant which has its largest office in Chennai with 60,000 people across 11 facilities in the city said that some of its employees have stayed back in office to support critical services while some have travelled to other cities to support operations.

"In view of the situation resulting from incessant rains in Chennai and the meteorological department's forecast of heavy rains, Cognizant offices in Chennai are closed today, December 2. However, there is no disruption to work on critical projects and 24x7 operations support," Cognizant spokesperson said in response to an email query.

The company said that it has invoked business continuity plan and employees have stayed back at its facilities for aiding projects that require round the clock support.

It added, all arrangements have been made for the staff including food and accommodation, both in its campuses as well as nearby hotels.

"We are providing all possible transportation support to our employees in Chennai and have advised them to take utmost safety precautions. Some of our employees have already travelled to Cognizant centres in other cities to provide support to our clients," it said.

IT major Tata Consultancy Services said that its offices in Chennai are also shut today and "the strong business continuity plans ensure that there is no impact on business."

The company said that all employees are safe and there is no water logging in any of its offices.

Airtel said that its services have also been partially disrupted due to power failure and the company is working with local authorities to restore them.

"We at Airtel are relentlessly working with the local authorities to enable smooth mobile communication for Airtel customers across the city," the company said.

Keywords: Chennai rains, Indian Meteorological Department, coastal areas, weather office, Chennai Collector, flood warning

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