Villupuram on alert following Cyclone Mandous warning

As many as 122 low-lying areas prone for inundation have been identified and 12 cyclone shelters have been set up. Besides, 1,091 temporary relief centres had been opened and a 40-member team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been kept on standby

With the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting heavy rains along North Tamil Nadu in the wake of Cyclone Mandous that is brewing over the Bay of Bengal, the Villupuram district administration has put in place measures to tackle the impact of rains.

The emphasis of the district administration was on preventing loss of human lives, livestock, cattle and property. The Police, Fire and Rescue Services, Revenue and other line departments have been put on high alert, Collector D. Mohan said.

Low-lying areas prone for inundation have been identified at 122 places in Villupuram district and 12 cyclone shelters have been set up along the coastal areas in the district to accomodate those who might need food and shelter.

As many as 1,091 temporary relief centres had been opened across the district while a 40-member team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had been kept on standby. The SDRF would camp at the coastal areas and handle all emergency situations, he said.

Officials of all line departments have been asked to remain in their respective headquarters and ensure the control rooms are working round-the-clock to deal with heavy rains and resultant flooding.

Mr. Mohan said special rescue teams, including trained swimmers, have been formed and first responders have been posted at vulnerable areas in the district. Regular precautionary measures such as stocking of sandbags, pruning of tres near overhead power cables in both urban and rural areas have also been carried out, he added.

Fishermen have also been advised not to go out to sea given the forecast of rough seas and strong gusts.