Puducherry gears up for cyclone

Talking to reporters after presiding over an official meeting to assess the preparedness to face the cyclone, the Chief Minister said, according to Meteorological Centre, Puducherry may experience wind at a speed of 90 kms and 20 cms of rainfall on April 29, 30 and May 1.

A red alert has been given for Puducherry and based on this warning, Chief Secretary Ashwini Kumar had already convened a meeting of top officials to take precautionary measures.

Narayanasamy said during the Cyclone Fani, steps will be taken to shift the people from low-lying areas to safer places and provide food and accommodation to them.

Fishermen will be cautioned not to venture into the sea. Necessary measures will be taken to pump out water from low lying areas and all other relief measures will be taken in coordination with all the departments of the territorial administration, he said.

The CM said that all senior officials should be present at the control room and should be available for field work. The ministers will also be on field he added.

Narayanasamy also credited Karaikal Collector Kesavan and his Deputy Vikaram Raja for the magnificent work done at the time of Cyclone Gaja.