Following the red alert issued to the State by the Indian Meteorological Department, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday directed the government officials concerned to ensure the rescue and relief camps are kept ready to handle any emergency.

Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami chairs the review meeting at the Secretariat on Friday

Chennai:

“The rescued people should be provided with food, water, blankets and clothes at the camps. Children should be given milk powder and medicines. Officials should ensure that the generators are in working condition in the camps,” said Palaniswami, chairing a review meeting held at the Secretariat.

The IMD had stated that the State may receive extremely heavy rainfall on a single day, evoking concern about a possible deluge. Subsequently, the government on Friday conducted an inter-departmental review meet with all the major departments. 

Commissioner of Revenue Administration K Sathyagopal elaborated the steps taken in vulnerable areas. He also spoke about the available facilities at the relief camps. 

Following Sathyagopal’s speech, Palaniswami instructed senior officials designated as in-charge of the districts to reach their area immediately. He also instructed the officials to ensure the camps were set up before Sunday, when the IMD has forecast heavy rain. 

“People living in low-lying areas should be rescued with the help of disaster response force and first responders. Women, children, senior citizens and differently-abled people should be accorded extra care and proper medical assistance should be provided to them,” said Palaniswami.

Action plan

• Officials to take charge in districts immediately
• Camps to be ready before Sunday
• First responders to be placed on standby
• Extra care to be given for kids, women