Tamil Nadu - Cuddalore

Men, materials from other districts mobilised for relief operations in Cuddalore

CUDDALORE:Besides mobilising the entire local official machinery, men and materials from other districts have been deployed to carry out rescue and relief operations in the rain-affected places in Cuddalore district.

For evacuating people from marooned areas, the services of the National Disaster Management Force, Arakkonam, and the Fire Service and Rescue Department from other districts have been utilised.

To supply drinking water, five tankers from the Chennai Metrowater have been deployed, according to Surjit K. Chaudhary, Principal Secretary (Agriculture), who was deputed to monitor the relief and rehabilitation measures in the district, and Collector Rajendra Ratnoo.

Addressing a press conference here on Saturday, Mr. Chaudhary said that route charts had been drafted for each tanker and engineers of the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board would monitor their movement.

The tankers would fill sintex tanks put up in the villages.

The Collector said that 71 medical teams had been formed to deliver healthcare to over one lakh people accommodated in 268 relief centers. He also requested the Health Secretary to deploy mobile medical teams to render speedy services.

Mr. Ratnoo said that nine mechanised boats, two operated by the National Disaster Management Force and seven by fishermen, were pressed into service to rescue the people stranded in places such as Thirunaraiyur, Kumaratchi and Vallampadugai.

VAOs and the panchayat presidents too had been directed to make available non-cooked food to the people in the affected areas (other than those accommodated in the relief centres).

For instance, 56,000 people in Kumaratchi alone ought to be fed because of inundation of their habitations.

The services of noon-meal employees and anganwadi workers were being utilised in preparing food, Mr. Ratnoo said.

Mr. Chaudhary said that crocodiles were sighted in the Coleroon, and the District Forest Officer had been directed to keep a watch and ensure that no person comes to any harm by such creatures.

The card-holders were entitled to draw an additional one litre of kerosene. Mr. Ratnoo noted that so far 10,225 persons were screened in 140 medical camps for fever, acute diarrohea, respiratory problem and body ache. So far 15 persons died, 23 suffered severe injuries in rain-related incidents.

A compensation of Rs. 1 lakh was being given to the kin of the deceased, he added.

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