Many parts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive heavy rain for the next few days.
CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Monday directed collectors of Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur districts to declare a holiday for schools and colleges on Tuesday in view of the heavy rain forecast. Private IT firms should advise employees to work from home from Oct 15 to 18, he said.
The meteorology department has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall ranging from 20-40 cm between October 14 and 17.
Stalin said the public should avoid social media rumours and strictly follow the govt-issued precautions.
During a review meeting with officials, Stalin listed comprehensive directives, including the advance positioning of NDRF and SDRF teams and boats in flood-prone areas, and increasing MRTS and metro services.
He called for monitoring essential commodity prices and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of milk and milk products.
“The monitoring officers should move to the respective districts and take up rescue and relief operations along with the district administration,” a release quoting the CM said.
Authorities were directed to stock adequate machinery for clearing flood water obstructions in areas like Muttukadu and Okkyam Maduvu near Buckingham Canal-Karunanidhi Bridge.
Water management in reservoirs should involve continuous monitoring of rainfall and water flow. Special priority must be given to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and lactating mothers to relocate them to safe places.
The chief minister instructed officials to have equipment like water pumps, tree cutters, and earth movers ready for rescue operations. Adequate generators should be kept ready to ensure an uninterrupted supply of drinking water. Necessary measures should be taken to maintain public health.
“Farmers, fishermen, four-wheeler and two-wheeler vehicle owners, hostel inmates, travel planners, apartment dwellers, industrial estates, commercial establishments, private firms, street vendors and construction workers should plan and prepare for heavy rains,” the CM said.
People in low-lying areas should move to relief centres in advance as per the instructions from the corporation and district administration. Important items and documents should be kept in waterproof and safe places.
In light of the heavy rain forecast, people should avoid gathering on beaches and in other tourist spots, places of worship and water bodies. They should also stay away from snapped power lines. Special precautions are advised for pregnant women, the sick, and the elderly.
Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner and the collectors of Chengalpet, Kancheepuram and Tiruvallur updated the chief minister on the precautionary measures in their regions.
Chief secretary N Muruganandam, after reviewing preparedness at the state emergency operations centre in Ezhilagam, said, “NDRF teams are being positioned today itself to important areas, also boats either today or tomorrow. GCC and district collectors are well prepared. We have already taken precautionary measures. We are alert. Coastal district collectors have been told to stay vigilant.”
In Chennai, NDRF teams and boats have been stationed, and 300 places have been prepared for food distribution, with directions issued to stock dry rations. The agencies have been told to place reflective lights around dug-up metro rail areas for public safety.
“Chembarambakkam has only 33% storage. Water bodies are closely monitored by the water resources department. Desilting in river mouths has been completed,” Muruganandam added.
