TN all set for natural calamities ahead of north-east monsoon

CHENNAI: The Government of Tamil Nadu has geared up before the arrival of north-east monsoon period which starts from October 1, and has identified 4,399 flood prone areas in the state.

During the north-east monsoon, Chennai and several other northern parts of the State receive the maximum rainfall. Claiming that the state is ready for any alarming disaster if arrived, R B Udhayakumar, Revenue Minister said, “We have identified and mapped about 4,399 places/areas, which fall in the very high vulnerable, high vulnerable, vulnerable and low & moderate vulnerable areas in 32 districts and zonal teams will be formed for rescue and relief work.”

The minister has also said that more flood prone areas are likely to be identified. Separate teams are formed comprising of 8,624 personals to rescue cattle in case of disaster. Also, Udhayakumar said that he will be reviewing the preparedness plans, along with the district collectors and other district level officials in coming days.

The motto of preparedness plan for pre-disaster, during disaster and post-disaster management is “No loss of life if calamity strikes,” the Revenue Minister said at the launch of manual on disaster management, additional chief secretaries:  K Satyagopal and Atulya Mishra and D Jagannathan, director, Disaster Management were also present at launch.

To decrease and prevent spreading of diseases during onset of monsoon, about 30,759 first-aid officers have been deployed in the State and of them 9,162 are women officers.

A toll free number 1070 is also created to get alerts and authenticated messages about cyclone or floods. The Minister also said that the TN-SMART app has also been activated and anyone can get details about any calamity and stay prepared.