Chennai

District Collectors were instructed to strengthen lake bunds and channels in northern and central districts, he said. Tree cutters, electric generators, evacuation centres, health camps and other arrangements were in place to deal with the aftermath, Udhayakumar said. Those living in low lying areas should immediately shift to relief camps, he said, adding that those from areas prone for heavy rains should stock essential medicine and food materials. Farmers and fishermen in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore were warned about the cyclone. Fearing a situation like Cyclone Gaja where they suffered huge losses, farmers have voluntarily pruned coconut trees, while fishermen in Mahabalipuram, Sadras, Nagapattinam, Kodiakkarai and Vedaranyam moved their boats to safer areas.