Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced on Sunday that the State government has implemented comprehensive precautionary measures to effectively manage the impending northeast monsoon. He specifically instructed officials to diligently monitor areas in Chennai that are historically susceptible to waterlogging, ensuring immediate response if needed.
During a pivotal review meeting with senior officials at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Chennai, the Chief Minister addressed the media. He noted that while districts like Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and parts of the Nilgiris have already experienced significant rainfall, there is currently no immediate threat. However, with heavy rainfall predicted for October 21 and 22, he reiterated that proactive measures are already firmly in place.
Mr. Stalin emphasized that there is no current requirement to evacuate residents from riverbanks or coastal regions to designated relief camps. Nevertheless, he confirmed that all district Collectors have been directed to maintain a high state of readiness for any potential developments.
A recent press release detailed the widespread rainfall across Tamil Nadu from October 16 to 18, marking the initial phase of the northeast monsoon. Districts such as Kanniyakumari, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris recorded an average of 12 mm of rain during this period.
Additionally, the Chief Minister conducted a video conference to review the impact of heavy rainfall in Tiruvarur, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Theni, Coimbatore, and the Nilgiris districts, and to evaluate the existing precautionary measures. He issued clear directives to district administrations to prioritize the safety of residents in low-lying and riverside areas, ensuring they are moved to relief camps if circumstances require it.
In his directives, Mr. Stalin stressed the importance of having relief camps fully equipped with vital amenities, including food, clean drinking water, and medical services. For Tiruvarur district, he specifically instructed authorities to ensure continuous paddy procurement and efficient transportation of harvested paddy from direct purchase centers to storage warehouses. The release further highlighted his focused review of Chennai’s rainfall readiness, emphasizing continued vigilance and close monitoring of waterlogging-prone zones.