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Chennai, Oct 19 (IANS) As heavy rains continue to lash many parts of Tamil Nadu due to the impact of Northeast Monsoon, Chief Minister MK Stalin on Sunday visited the command and control center of Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) in Ezhilagama to assess the state’s monsoon preparedness.
The Chief Minister also held a video conference with district collectors, directing them to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact of floods and ensure the safety of residents in low-lying areas.
“With the onset of Northeast Monsoon on October 16, the state has received an average of 12 mm rainfall, with heavy rainfall in Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai and Nilgiris districts,” a government release said.
During the meeting, Stalin reviewed the situation in the worst-affected southern and delta districts, including Theni, where torrential rains and floods have caused widespread disruption. He directed the officials to shift people from flood prone areas to relief camps without any delay and ensure round-the-clock functioning of rescue and rehabilitation teams.
Special attention was given to the delta region, especially Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts, where the Vedaranyam area has been severely affected by incessant rains.
Stalin directed the district administration to ensure that harvesting work continues without any interruption and that procurement of harvested paddy is completed expeditiously to safeguard the livelihood of farmers.
He also stressed that adequate facilities should be provided in all the relief camps. “Each camp should have adequate food, drinking water, medical aid and sanitation facilities. No one should face hardship due to lack of basic facilities,” the Chief Minister directed.
Officials from various departments including Revenue, Public Works, Health, Electricity participated in the review meeting.
TNSDMA control room at Ezhilagam continues to monitor rainfall data and coordinate real-time relief operations in the districts. Officials have advised residents of sensitive areas, especially Theni, Madurai and Ramanathapuram, to remain alert as heavy rains are likely to continue over the next two days, leading to increased water flow in many rivers and dams.
–IANS
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