Some parts of delta region continued to receive moderate rainfall for the third consecutive day on Friday even as the authorities in the central districts assured that precautionary measures are being taken in view of the heavy rainfall alert for Sunday.
Several parts of Nagapattinam district, the tail-end of the delta, received moderate rainfall on Friday. Nagapattinam, Tirupoondi, Talaignayiru, Vedaranyam, Mayiladuthurai and Tarangambadi received sharp showers during the day.
In neighbouring Tiruvarur district, Nannilam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Kodavasal and Valaingaiman witnessed moderate showers during the day. A few places in Thanjavur district also recorded mild rainfall. Though the sky remained overcast, there was not much rain in Tiruchi and Pudukottai districts.
The Tiruvarur district administration has said schools in the district will remain closed on Saturday and warned of action against private schools if they functioned on that day.
Pudukottai Collector S. Ganesh, after participating in a review meeting conducted by Commissioner of Revenue Administration K. Sathyagopal through video conference in view of the heavy rainfall warning for Sunday, advised fisherfolk not to venture into the sea until further notice. All department heads have been instructed to remain in the district headquarters. Medical officers and para medical staff in taluk and primary health centres have been instructed to function on shifts. The Public Works Department and Highways Department, along with the Fire and Rescue Services, have been instructed to remain vigilant against trees falling over. All government departments have been directed to work in coordination to meet exigencies, he said.
In Tiruchi, Collector K. Rajamani told reporters that 154 low-lying areas in the district have been identified as vulnerable and adequate precautionary measures were being put in place. About 1,540 first responders have been identified in these places and trained in rescue operations. In case of emergencies, they would join rescue efforts along with government agencies. Vigil is maintained on all water courses, bunds and bridges. Steps have been taken to ensure free flow of water in water courses by removing obstructions. He advised people against allowing children to stray towards rivers and other water courses.
Mr. Rajamani said that there was no need for apprehension over the stability of the temporary bunds built across the damaged portion of the Kollidam river at Mukkombu.
The following is the chief amount of rainfall recorded in the central districts during the 24-hour period ending 8.30 a.m. on Friday (in mm):
Nagapattinam district: Kollidam 65, Nagapattinam 43, Manalmedu 42, Sirkazhi 40.80, Tharangampadi 38, Tirupoondi 24.40 and Mayiladuthurai 24.30.
Thanjavur district: Lower Anicut 51.40, Pattukottai 35, Manjalaru 31, Thirukattupalli 29, Grand Anicut 25.60, Neivasal Thenpathi 22.40, Madukkur 21.40, Kumbakonam 19, Tiruvaiyaru 17.50, Thiruvidaimarudur 14.70,Thanjavur 14.50, Vettikadu 13.80, Papanasam 13.30, Orathanadu 12 and Ayyampettai 10.
Tiruvarur district: Thiruthuraipoondi-51.8, Kodavasal 48, Tiruvarur 46.2; Needamangalam 38, Nannilam 34.6, Mannargudi 30, Pandavaiyar 28.8, Valangaiman 22.6 and Muthupettai 13.
Tiruchi district: Nandhiyar head 30.20, Pullampadi 27.80, Lalgudi 24.60, Vathalai Anicut 17.80, Samayapuram 17, Thuvakudi 14.80, Marungapuri 14.20, Tiruchi Junction and Ponnaniyar dam 10.40 each and Pulivalam 10.
Pudukottai district: Arimalam 20, Gandarvakottai 19.30, Keeranur 18 and Pudukottai 9.
