New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi dialed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in connection with the flood situation in the state due to Cyclone Fengal and assured all possible help and support to the state, Government of India sources said on Tuesday.
Cyclone Fengal made landfall along coastal lines of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday night. Heavy rainfall and widespread destruction followed in the state and the Union Territory before Fengal weakened into a deep depression on Sunday.
Schools Closed In Tamil Nadu
All schools and colleges in four districts of Tamil Nadu will remain closed on Tuesday due to heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Fengal.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted continued rainfall from the cyclonic storm, prompting the closure of educational institutions in Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Puducherry districts.
In other districts like Ranipet, Salem, and Tiruvannamalai, only schools will be closed. Similarly, in Kallakurichi, schools in Thirukovilur Town, and in Krishnagiri, schools in Pechampalli and Uthangarai Taluks will also remain shut due to the ongoing rains.
Stalin Reviews Flood Situation
On Monday, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin visited areas in Dharmapuri district impacted by Cyclone Fengal. He also inspected restoration work on the land bridge at the base of Vathalmalai in the district.
Chief Minister Stalin lashed out at the Centre for not allowing a discussion on the cyclone in the Parliament.
“In Parliament, MPs were not allowed to address the impact of Cyclone Fengal. As part of our duty, we are assessing the damages and will submit a report. While it is their responsibility to respond, they are refusing to do so. Despite this, we are doing our best,” CM Stalin told reporters in Chennai.
Highlighting the ongoing relief efforts, the Chief Minister stated that 18 rescue teams, comprising 493 personnel, are actively working across affected districts.
In Villupuram, 15 teams, including seven from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and eight from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), with a total of 407 personnel, are conducting relief operations. In Cuddalore, 56 personnel from the NDRF and SDRF are engaged, while in Tiruvannamalai, a 30-member team is managing rescue efforts.
Regarding relief camps, the Chief Minister shared that over 7,000 people are being accommodated across 147 camps.
