Holiday for schools, colleges in Chennai, 3 dists tomorrow

Chennai: Chennai, Kancheepuram, Chengalpet and Tiruvallur collectors should declare a holiday for schools and colleges in the four districts on Tuesday and private IT firms should advise employees to work from home from Oct 15 to 18, in view of the heavy rain forecast, chief minister M K Stalin said on Monday. India Meteorological Department has forecast heavy to very heavy rain ranging from 20-40 cm between Oct 14 and 17, with a red alert issued for Oct 16.
During a review meeting with officials, Stalin listed directives, including 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. "Monitoring officers should move to the respective districts and take up relief operations with the administration," a release quoting the CM said.
Authorities were told to stock adequate machinery for clearing floodwater obstructions in areas such as Muttukadu and Okkyam Maduvu near Buckingham Canal-Karunanidhi Bridge. Water management in reservoirs should involve continuous monitoring of rainfall and water flow. Officials should keep water pumps, tree cutters, and earth movers ready for rescue operations. There should be adequate generators to ensure uninterrupted supply of drinking water.
People in low-lying areas should move to relief centres in advance as per instructions from the authorities. People should avoid gathering on beaches, places of worship and banks of water bodies. They should also stay away from snapped power lines. Urging the public to ignore social media rumours and strictly follow govt-issued precautions, he said priority must be given to relocate the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and lactating mothers to safe places.
Chief secretary N Muruganandam, after reviewing preparedness at the emergency operations centre in Ezhilagam, said NDRF teams are being positioned to important areas. "GCC and collectors are well prepared. We have 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 prepared for food distribution, with directions issued to stock dry rations. "Chembarambakkam has only 33% storage. Water bodies are being monitored. Desilting in river mouths is complete," Muruganandam said.