“With the Cyclone Nivar expected to make landfall between Karaikkal and Mahabalipuram, the Meteorological Department has warned that when the cyclone crosses the coast, the wind speed would reach 120 kmph to 140 kmph and the coastal districts witnessing heavy rains,” CPM State secretary K Balakrishnan said in a statement.

“In the past, people have suffered greatly due to the unavailability of food, water and electricity due to the lack of proper preparations despite the government announcing precautionary measures,” he said, urging the government to take all measures, including allocation special fund and food materials, to ensure prompt supply of food for those affected by the cyclone.

“All steps should be taken to make available medical facilities, food and drinking water in the relief camps. Considering the risk of coronavirus outbreak, people who were put up in the camps should be provided with facemasks and hand sanitisers. The number of camps should be increased to avoid overcrowding. Arrangements should also be made to send power generators, water tankers and electricity workers from the districts which are not hit by the cyclone to the affected districts immediately,” he added.

Balakrishnan also asked his party cadres to help the people of the cyclone-affected districts with food and medical assistance.