Chennai is at the forefront of proactive monsoon preparedness as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister has issued urgent directives to all district collectors in anticipation of increased rainfall across the state.
Following predictions from the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai, the Chief Minister has mandated the constant operational readiness of emergency control rooms across all districts. Furthermore, he has instructed district administrations to ensure that rescue vehicles and essential equipment are in optimal condition to effectively manage the impact of the southwest monsoon, a crucial weather system that typically brings rainfall to parts of south India between June and September.
Chief Minister has also specifically directed officials to make comprehensive arrangements for rescue camps, emphasising the critical need for these shelters to be hygienic and equipped with essential amenities, including a reliable supply of clean water, uninterrupted electricity, and adequate food provisions for those who may be displaced or affected by the monsoon’s impact.
Highlighting the dual nature of the southwest monsoon, he remarked, “We are to face the Southwest Monsoon. IMD have predicted normal rainfall during this monsoon. However, the Southwest monsoon helps with underground water. (But) Heavy rainfall, flash floods in the Western Ghats, Nilgiris, affect the region, and we need to face this. Coastal Districts also should be ready to face the Southwest Monsoon.” This acknowledgement underscores the importance of preparedness not only for the beneficial aspects of the monsoon, such as replenishing groundwater resources, but also for the potential hazards associated with heavy rainfall and flash floods, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Western Ghats and Nilgiris, as well as the coastal districts.
Reinforcing the urgency of the situation, CM stated, “All district collectors should ensure the Emergency control room functions 24×7 and should also ensure the readiness of rescue vehicles and equipment to handle the southwest monsoon well. Rescue camps should be hygienic with water, electricity and food facilities.” This clear and direct instruction underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens during the monsoon season.
According to the local weather department’s immediate forecast, several districts in Tamil Nadu, including Chengalpattu, Kanchipuram, Ranipet, and Vellore, are very likely to experience moderate thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by moderate rainfall today. Meanwhile, Chennai, Tiruvallur, Salem, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tirupathur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi, Cuddalore, Thanjavur, and Tiruvarur, among other districts, are expected to receive light thunderstorms and lightning with light to moderate rainfall.
In light of these weather predictions, the IMD has issued a warning regarding the potential for waterlogging in low-lying areas, slippery road conditions, and consequent traffic disruptions in some parts of the state. The weather department has also indicated that moderate thunderstorm cells are currently approaching the Tiruvallur, Chennai, and Chengalpattu districts from the east, suggesting that these areas may experience more intense rainfall activity in the immediate future. This proactive stance by the Tamil Nadu government, spearheaded by Chief Minister Stalin’s directives, highlights a commitment to mitigating the potential adverse impacts of the southwest monsoon and ensuring the safety and well-being of the state’s residents through comprehensive preparedness measures.
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