Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Reviews Monsoon Preparedness, Orders Stronger Dengue Control

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay on Monday reviewed the state's preparedness for the upcoming Northeast Monsoon and directed officials to strengthen flood mitigation, emergency response and dengue-control measures.

Chairing the meeting at the Secretariat with Chief Secretary M Sai Kumar and senior officials, Vijay asked authorities to identify coastal and delta areas vulnerable to seawater intrusion, coastal erosion and flooding and keep details of vulnerable villages and residents ready for evacuation.

He directed officials to ensure that weather and marine warnings reach fishermen and people in low-lying areas on time. Evacuation plans should be kept ready, while cyclone shelters, multipurpose centres, schools and community halls must be equipped to function as relief camps with drinking water, food, electricity, sanitation and medical facilities.

District-level rescue teams were asked to remain prepared with boats, life-saving equipment, ropes, generators and dewatering pumps. Satellite phones and other emergency communication systems should remain functional, while SMS and other public warning mechanisms should be used to disseminate alerts.

Vijay also ordered officials to use drones to inspect roads, stormwater drains and bridges and undertake maintenance. Paddy stocks stored in godowns should be protected from rainwater damage.

The Chief Minister separately reviewed dengue prevention, with officials monitoring district-wise cases, fever clusters, mosquito-breeding sites and fogging equipment. DBC workers were directed to conduct door-to-door inspections, identify and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites and intensify surveillance in high-risk areas.

Tamil Nadu had recorded 17,277 dengue cases by September 20, with more than 25,000 mosquito-control workers deployed across the state, according to reports.

Government hospitals and PHCs were asked to ensure early diagnosis, laboratory testing, clinical assessment, identification of warning signs, fluid management and treatment of severe cases, besides continuous monitoring. Public awareness campaigns on symptoms, prevention and timely medical consultation will also be intensified.

During the meeting, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K A Sengottaiyan submitted the preliminary report of the Expert Advisory Committee on El Niño and disaster management. Ministers, senior officials and collectors from coastal and delta districts also participated.