Chennai: Tamilnadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has reviewed the State’s preparedness and the precautionary steps put in place ahead of the onset of the Northeast Monsoon next month.
At the State Secretariat, Stalin chaired a meeting of Ministers and officials discussed the measures that were to be put in place to tackle the monsoon.
An official release here said, the Chief Minister stressed the need for effective coordination between various State government agencies, while undertaking disaster relief operations.
Stalin spoke on the importance of efficient coordination with the Army, Navy, Coast Guard, Indian Meteorology Department, Central Water Commission, National Disaster Response Force and local bodies among others.
He urged the strengthening of disaster control centres for the benefit of people. Helplines 1070 and 1077 must be readily available for people in need, he said.
He also said relief centres should be kept in readiness in the event of evacuation of people from low-lying and other severely-affected areas. Apart from this, dry rations, drinking water, bread and milk must be made available for those in need and for children.
‘While evacuating people from affected areas, priority and special care must be given to the elderly, the differently-abled, pregnant women and children,’ Stalin said and added that steps should be taken on warfooting to restore power supply in the event of disruptions. Apart from directing the authorities to ensure adequate stock of essential commodities in ration shops ahead of the monsoon, he also said steps should be taken to ensure medical supplies and equipment across the State in the event of spread of any epidemic after the monsoon.