Emergency Measures Activated Across Coastal Tamil Nadu
The coastal and delta districts of Tamil Nadu are on high alert as Cyclone Ditwah approaches, bringing forecasts of heavy rainfall and potential flooding. District administrations across multiple regions have initiated comprehensive precautionary measures and established relief arrangements for residents in low-lying and vulnerable areas.
Vulnerability Mapping and Relief Preparedness
Authorities have conducted detailed vulnerability assessments across four key districts. Thanjavur has identified 154 vulnerable locations, while Tiruvarur has marked 195 sensitive areas. Mayiladuthurai documented 176 risk zones and Nagapattinam pinpointed 68 critical locations. Relief centers have been established and kept in ready condition across all these districts.
District collectors have issued public safety advisories urging residents to avoid risky areas and follow official instructions. The warning comes as meteorological authorities issued a red alert for Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Tiruvarur districts on November 29 (Saturday), while an orange alert continues for Trichy, Thanjavur and Pudukkottai.
Disaster Response Forces Deployed
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed significant manpower to handle potential emergencies. More than 30 NDRF personnel have been stationed in each of the four districts – Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Mayiladuthurai and Nagapattinam. Additionally, the Tamil Nadu Disaster Response Force (TNDRF) has positioned its personnel at critical flood-prone spots in every district.
District administrations have activated first-level response teams comprising revenue, police and fire services personnel for every block to handle emergencies. Dedicated control rooms have been established to coordinate rescue and relief operations efficiently.
Administrative Review and Crop Damage Concerns
District collectors V Saravanan, B Priyanka Pankajam, V Mohanachandran, H S Srikanth and P Akash conducted review meetings with officials and directed them to remain on high alert for immediate deployment. Senior IAS officers H Krishnanunni, T Anand, Kavitha Ramu and A Annadurai reached the delta districts and began inspecting preparedness measures accompanied by the respective district collectors.
The agricultural sector faces significant threats from the impending cyclone. Thousands of hectares of standing Samba and Thaladi paddy crops, already waterlogged by earlier spells of moderate to heavy rain this week, now face the fresh threat of complete submersion. District administrations and the Agriculture Department have urged farmers to ensure proper drainage channels around fields and take all possible steps to prevent water stagnation.
The Fisheries Department has issued strict warnings to fishermen against venturing into the sea until the cyclone threat subsides. Fishing has been banned for the next three days, and accordingly, all mechanised and motorised boats remained tied up at harbours and fish landing centers on Friday.
