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Chennai, Oct 20 (IANS) As the monsoon strengthened across Tamil Nadu, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday inspected flood-mitigation works in Duraipakkam, one of the flood-prone areas of Chennai. It has been raining intermittently but heavily in the city for the last few days. In anticipation of heavy rains, the Greater Chennai Corporation and allied departments have intensified precautionary measures.
Udhayanidhi Stalin personally reviewed the desilting and storm-drainage works, interacted with engineers and civic officials, and directed that arrangements be made to ensure rapid drainage of flood water as rainfall increases.
Chief Minister MK Stalin had earlier visited the command and control center of Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) at Ezhilagam to assess the overall monsoon preparedness of the state.
He also chaired a high-level 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.
Tamil Nadu has received an average of 12 mm rainfall since the onset of the northeast monsoon on October 16, with heavy rainfall recorded in Kanniyakumari, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Mayiladuthurai and Nilgiris districts, according to an official release.
The Chief Minister reviewed the situation in the worst-hit southern and delta districts, including Theni, where torrential rains and floods have caused widespread disruption.
Stalin directed officials to shift people from flood-prone areas to relief camps without any delay and maintain 24-hour readiness of rescue and rehabilitation teams.
He also stressed on uninterrupted crop operations and prompt procurement of paddy in the delta districts of Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, especially in the rain-affected Vedaranyam region, to safeguard the livelihood of farmers.
“All relief camps should have adequate food, drinking water, medical aid and sanitation facilities so that no one faces hardship due to lack of basic facilities,” the Chief Minister said.
Officials from Revenue, Public Works, Health and Electricity departments participated in the review.
The control room of TNSDMA continues to monitor rainfall data and coordinate real-time relief operations in the districts. Authorities have urged residents of Theni, Madurai and Ramanathapuram to remain alert as heavy rains are likely over the next two days with water flows rising in many rivers and reservoirs across the state.
–IANS
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