CHENNAI: With cyclone Nivar triggering heavy rain, the Tamil Nadu government has shifted 24,166 people, including 3,948 children, from low lying areas and unsafe buildings to 987 relief centres in the state.
Revenue and disaster management minister R B Udhayakumar said the district collectors, monitoring officers in coordination with the local ministers were making efforts to shift the people from huts, tiled roof houses, unsafe and old buildings.
“Arrangements have been made to shelter 13 lakh people in the identified 4,733 relief centres. At least 987 centres have been opened so far,” the minister said.
Fishermen, who set out to sea for deep sea fishing, returned to the shore safely following dissemination of messages on cyclone Nivar. Karaikal fishermen who set out in 22 boats returned to Point Calimere and Thanjavur. The Indian Coast Guard is constantly monitoring the situation.
There are six NDRF teams on standby in Cuddalore, three teams in Nagapattinam and one each in Thanjavur and Myladuthurai. Similarly, two teams are positioned in Villupuram and three in Chengalpet. “Eight teams of the Indian Army with two rescue boats are reaching Chennai today. Six more teams with a boat will reach Trichy as well,” the minister said.
The state government has suspended inter and intra district bus transport in seven districts -- Pudukkottai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Cuddalore, Villupuram and Chengalpet -- since Wednesday noon.
Of the 14,144 irrigation tanks in the state, 1,579 tanks have reached full capacity due to heavy rain. All tanks are under surveillance round-the-clock. In 21 districts, where there is heavy downpour, 1,426 tanks have full storage. Besides, 943 tanks in the coastal districts also reached full capacity.
Mettur, Bhavanisagar, Red Hills, Poondi, Chembarambakkam, Cholavaram were being monitored. “Chembarambakkam storage is at 21.55ft. As soon as it reaches 22feet, order is to release surplus upon ensuring the message gets disseminated to all people. The activities pertaining to water release is being monitored by the district collector in coordination with PWD, revenue, municipal administration and police,” Udhyakumar said.
Arrangements being made to remove flood water from the Anna Salai in Chennai, Chitlapakkam ,Medavakkam and Tambaram.