Cyclone: 6 NDRF teams allocated for Chennai, coastal districts

CHENNAI: The State conducted a high alert meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Irai Anbu with the Director of Regional Meteorological Centre S Balachandran at Secretariat on Tuesday.

Discussions were held regarding the preparedness work ahead of the cyclone, which is likely to form in the next 24 hours.

The top brass also reviewed the positioning of the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) Arakkonam squad comprising 200 members, cyclone mitigation works and rescue operations for 6 districts.

“As requested by the director of disaster management and the State government, at least 6 teams were allotted for Chennai, Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Cuddalore, Mayiladathurai, and Tiruvarur districts,” said a senior official with NDRF, Arakkonam. “At present, as the cyclone is yet to be formed, pre-position works are carried out. Each team has 25 members. The NDRF teams are self-contained and equipped with flood-rescue equipment such as boats, and cutters for fallen trees due to strong wind.”

A meeting is likely to take place with the respective district collectors. During vulnerable situation, people staying in the low-lying areas will be evacuate and taken to relief camps.

A team of 25 people in each district will help people move from the area.

“After the cyclone formation, based on the intensity and damage, additional members from the NDRF will be deployed. Also, the control room in Arakkonam will closely monitor the situation round the clock. All efforts are being made in close collaboration with the State administration,” said the official.