Stalin reviews precautionary measures to tackle rain

Arrangements made in view of surplus release from Mettur Dam also reviewed 

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin chaired a meeting in the Secretariat in Chennai on Thursday to review the precautionary measures being taken to face heavy rain, predicted in various parts of the State.

During the meeting, he also reviewed the arrangements being made in many districts in view of the release of surplus water from Mettur dam. The Chief Minister also interacted with Collectors of Ariyalur, Cuddalore, Erode, Karur, Mayiladuthurai, Nagapattinam, Namakkal, Salem, Thanjavur, Tiruchi, Tiruppur and Tiruvarur districts.

Messages under the Common Alert Protocol have been issued to over 21.87 lakh mobile phones, warning about surplus water being released in Mettur and Vaigai dams. The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure availability of machinery for rescue operations, if any.

“In case of loss of crops due to heavy rain, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ascertain the loss at the earliest. He also advised Ministers to personally visit the affected districts,” an official release said.

Fishermen are also to be alerted about the inclement weather predicted till August 6. The State Emergency Operations Centre could be reached at 1070, 1077 and also through WhatsApp at 9445869848.

Since the onset of the Southwest monsoon, Tamil Nadu has received 249.5 mm rain between June 1 and August 3, 97% higher than the usual rain received during this period every year, the release said.