Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who visited cyclone-affected areas in Chennai on Saturday, said the State had recovered quickly from the effects of Cyclone Mandous, thanks to the precautionary measures taken by the State and the dedicated work of government employees.
“The government has proved that proper planning and precautionary measures can help overcome any disaster,” he said. “People’s lives have been saved and major damages has been averted. Even trees felled by the gusting winds were removed immediately to ensure smooth flow of traffic. The employees of the Greater Chennai Corporation, sanitary workers and employees of TANGEDCO (TN Generation and Distribution Corporation) worked day and night in relief work. I thank them,” he said, while talking to reporters in Kasimedu.
Praising the precautionary measures undertaken by the Tamil Nadu Government, CM said, “I am happy to say that Chennai is totally recovered from Cyclone Mandous. Because of Tamil Nadu Government precaution measures and Government staffs efforts Tamil Nadu people are taken care of.”
He claimed that there has not been any big damage across Tamil Nadu due to cyclone Mandous. Praising the people’s representatives and their work during the cyclone, he said, “Even uprooted trees were removed immediately. Corporation workers have done an excellent job. Even our Minister K N Nehru, Sekar Babu, M Subramaniyan and others, MLA’s, MP’s, Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Local Body representatives, Police persons, Sanitation workers and many others have done their work full-fledged. I appreciate all of them.”
According to the latest update, four people have lost their lives due to the heavy rainfall caused by the cyclone. Apart from this, 98 cattle too lost their lives and 181 houses and huts have been damaged. Other damages are still being calculated.
As many as 3,163 families stayed in 201 rescue camps. Food, drinking water and medicine were provided to take care of them.
In Chennai, around 400 trees have fallen due to the gusty winds. Of them, 150 trees have fallen on street lights. As many as 25,000 workers are in the field for relief work. Corporation has used 900 pumps to evacuate water, and of them, only 300 are working now. Since there is no waterlogging, an easy traffic flow has become possible.
In Chengalpattu, Kancheepuram and Villupuram districts, relief works are going on in a fast phase. Since strong winds have damaged flag posts and transformers, the power supply has been cut in 600 places keeping in mind the safety of the people. However power has been restored in all of the places now.
“After accessing the damages of Cyclone Mandous if needed we will ask for funds from Central Government”, said CM Stalin.
He said that the state government has proved that any natural disaster can be faced if there are proper precautionary measures taken along with well-organized planning.
