The Karaikal district administration has put in place various measures in view of the cyclone warning which is expected to bring heavy rainfall.
In the wake of the Indian Meteorological Department predicting heavy rainfall in coastal Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, the Karaikal district administration has instructed fishermen to return to the shore and not to venture into the sea until further notice.
Karaikal Collector A. Vikranth Raja said Public Works, Electricity, Education and other departments were in a state of preparedness to manage the fallout of the cyclone. Thankfully, the cyclone had coincided with the fishing ban period. All the fibre-reinforced plastic boats had also returned ashore. “Fishermen have been instructed to detach the motors for safe-keeping and anchor their boats at the fishing harbour,” Mr. Vikranth Raja said.
The hut register maintained in all VAO offices would be utilised for making timely calculation of the damage. If need be, two central kitchens, to be maintained by the Education department, would be operated. Employees on leave had been asked to report for duty.
The medical department had kept ready water purification tablets and first-aid gear.
Branches of trees near electricity lines were being pruned. Fire and Rescue Services department would coordinate with the District Disaster Management Authority. Additional electricity poles had been kept ready, and resources such as crane and heavy haul equipment had been identified.
The level of preparedness maintained at the time of cyclone Gaja had been replicated to make sure there was no loss of lives. Low-lying areas had been identified by the PWD and obstructions along water courses were being cleared, Mr. Vikranth Raja said.
