Chief Minister holds meeting to review relief preparations

According to sources, the CM instructed officials to ensure that the fishermen in six coastal districts are cautioned not to venture into the sea. He also advised the revenue officials to open round-the-clock control room in districts that are expected to be affected by the cyclone.

The State Police and Fire and Rescue Service Departments in Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts have been instructed to stay alert till the cyclone makes the landfall.

District collectors of Thanjavur, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram and Nagapattinam were instructed to alert the coastal security group. Waterlogging, prevention of mosquito breeding and anti-dengue initiatives were also discussed in the high-level meeting.

Commissioner of Revenue Administration K Sathyagopal made a presentation briefing about preventive arrangements in place.

According to the State Disaster Management Authority, around 4,400 low-lying places in the state have been identified as vulnerable. First responders in these areas have been told to coordinate with the inter-zonal teams.

With heavy to very heavy rainfall warning forecast for Chennai, the city police and the corporation officials were instructed to deploy night squads so that the uprooted trees are removed without any delay.

Meanwhile, the Cuddalore district administration has stepped up the flood mitigation measure by setting up an emergency control room.

Nagapattinam district forest officials have announced that the Kodiyakkarai (Point Calimere) wildlife sanctuary will be closed for visitorsduring this week.