NDRF teams arrive in Nagapattinam

Collector S. Suresh Kumar interacting with members of the National Disaster Response Force in Nagapattinam on Tuesday.

Three teams of the National Disaster Response Force, comprising about 75 members, arrived in Nagapattinam on Tuesday as district authorities braced themselves for exigencies arising out of Cyclone Gaja headed towards the Tamil Nadu coast.

Minister for Handloom and Textiles O.S. Manian chaired a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority to discuss the precautionary measures being taken ahead of the landfall of the cyclone.

Mr. Manian said all district officials had been instructed to remain on high alert to handle any emergency situation. Steps had been taken to ensure the immediate return of fishermen who had ventured into the sea.

Weather warnings

Weather bulletins were being announced over public address systems in coastal villages.

Further, 14 static and 19 mobile medical teams had been formed to extend medical assistance to the needy. Besides, 28 veterinary medical teams had also been formed.

Nagapattinam Collector S. Suresh Kumar, who interacted with the NDRF team earlier in the day, said nine teams of trained personnel from Fire and Rescue Services and eight from the Police department were also on stand by in the district to launch rescue operations if necessary.

Equipment ready

All equipment required to meet emergency situations, including boats, electric saws, spare electric poles and cable, generators and earth movers, had been kept ready.

Mr. Suresh Kumar said the district administration was fully geared to ensure the safety of people and meet their basic requirements in emergency situations.

The Collector urged people not to believe rumours and pass on any information to the toll free number 1077.