Revenue and WRD depts. monitoring reservoirs: Minister

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister KKSSR Ramachandran said that the depression, which is likely to strengthen as a cyclonic storm, will not cause much damage but will bring rain in Chennai and neighboring areas as it moves towards Andhra Pradesh.

Speaking to reporters, he said that Prime Minister MK Stalin had instructed the Collectors to take precautionary measures and the fishermen who had ventured out to sea on October 24 were advised to return to the shore.

He said the Revenue and Water Resources departments will work together to monitor water levels in reservoirs supplying water to Chennai and prevent untoward incidents.

“Water will be stored if possible. Excess water will be released. People in low-lying areas have been asked to move to relief centres. The government has already made arrangements to supply essential commodities, including milk, dhal and rice,” he said.

The water level in Poondi reservoir has reached 83.53% of its capacity. The level in Cholavaram is 60.5%, in Red Hills it is 81.35%, in Chembarambakkam it is 83.36% and in Thervoykandigai it is 87.80%.

“The Prime Minister is directly monitoring the preparations,” he said, adding that the government is fully prepared to face the northeast monsoon in October, November and December.

Dams are full

He said dams and reservoirs in districts around Chennai and coastal areas are full, but those in southern areas are yet to reach full capacity and these areas need rain.

Mr Ramachandran said 31 people had died and 47 people had been injured due to rain since October 1. “A total of 485 cattle and 20 thousand 425 chickens died. A total of 1,780 huts collapsed in the rain, we distributed aid to 50 percent of the cases,” he said.