T.N. Minister Vanni Arasu reviews monsoon preparedness in Villupuram

Tamil Nadu Minister for Social Justice Vanni Arasu directed officials to inspect and continuously monitor 80 waterbodies under the Water Resources Department in the Tindivanam Assembly constituency as part of Northeast monsoon preparedness.

Chairing a review meeting at Tindivanam on Saturday (October 24, 2026), in the presence of the Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman, the Minister instructed departments to complete precautionary measures in vulnerable areas and keep relief shelters and rescue equipment ready.

Officials were directed to expedite desilting of channels in municipal, town panchayat and village panchayat areas and prevent the accumulation of rainwater. Attention should be paid to waterlogging-prone locations in wards 23 and 24 of Tindivanam municipality, he said.

Areas affected during last year’s Northeast monsoon should be identified and preventive work completed without delay. Pending road and drainage works should also be expedited, he said.

The Minister instructed officials to remove damaged trees and those at risk of falling, prevent branches from coming into contact with electricity lines and ensure uninterrupted power supply. Relief shelters should also be equipped with drinking water, electricity and toilets. Motor pumps, tree-cutting equipment, motorboats and other rescue equipment should be inspected and kept ready for deployment.

Officials were also directed to ensure chlorinated drinking water, intensify mosquito-control measures and prevent the spread of dengue and other diseases. Arrangements should be made with volunteers to supply food, clothing, blankets, and other essential commodities to affected families.

Mr. Vanni Arasu said 10 multipurpose shelters serving 13 fishing villages in Marakkanam taluk had been kept ready to accommodate about 6,700 people. Four multipurpose cyclone shelters in Marakkanam town panchayat are also ready. Early-warning systems have been installed at 13 locations along the coast.

A total of 1,540 trained first responders have been identified — 645 in Tindivanam and 895 in Marakkanam, he said.

The Minister directed all line departments to work in coordination, with public safety receiving priority during heavy rain and flooding.

Residents can report monsoon-related emergencies to the round-the-clock district disaster control room on 1077 and 04146-223265 or WhatsApp number 72001 51144. Officials were instructed to act promptly on complaints.