Many districts rain deficient, says Minister RB Udhayakumar

“Chennaiites need not worry about the increasing level of Chembarambakkam reservoir, as the rainfall in the catchment area subsided in the past few days,” Udhayakumar said, adding that 23 districts are rain deficient so far. Districts like Chennai, Theni, Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, Coimbatore, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, Tirupattur and Thoothukudi have received rainfall above normal level.

Major reservoirs like Mettur and Bhavanisagar have reached close to 85 per cent of their capacity. A record number of 2,897 earthmovers, 3,900 tree cutters and district-wise evacuation centres were ready to tackle monsoon, he said. “Due to the pandemic, more evacuation centres would be opened. Fire and police personnel have also been kept ready as per the weather office alerts,” he said.

“About 43,000 first responders have been identified by the District Collectors and are ready in case of floods. Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) have also started sending monsoon alerts and warning messages to people in the districts where flood alert has been issued,” he added.