Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Orders Stronger Northeast Monsoon Preparedness and Dengue Control Measures

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Monday directed district administrations to strengthen preparedness in coastal and delta districts ahead of the Northeast Monsoon and intensify measures to prevent and control dengue.

The Chief Minister chaired a review meeting at the Secretariat and instructed officials to focus on flood preparedness, emergency response, evacuation planning, public warnings and healthcare readiness.

Coastal Areas to Get Special Attention

Officials have been asked to identify areas vulnerable to seawater ingress, coastal erosion and flooding. Details of vulnerable villages and residents should be kept ready to facilitate evacuation whenever necessary.

The government also directed authorities to ensure that weather and sea-related warnings reach fishermen without delay. Cyclone shelters and multipurpose evacuation centres should be kept ready for use.

Schools and community halls must also be prepared to function as relief camps, with arrangements for:

- Drinking water

- Food

- Electricity

- Sanitation

- Medical facilities

Emergency Teams to Keep Rescue Equipment Ready

Emergency response teams have been instructed to maintain essential rescue equipment, including boats, life jackets, ropes, generators and water pumps.

The Chief Minister also stressed the need to ensure that SMS and other emergency warning systems reach the public. Satellite phones and other emergency communication equipment should remain functional during severe weather situations.

Drones to Inspect Roads and Stormwater Drains

Officials were directed to use drones to inspect roads, stormwater drains and bridges and identify maintenance requirements before the monsoon intensifies.

The Chief Minister also instructed officials to protect paddy stocks stored in government godowns from rainwater and flooding.

Dengue Prevention Measures Intensified

Dengue prevention was another key focus of the review meeting. The government said dengue and fever cases are being continuously monitored at the district level, along with areas reporting increases in cases, mosquito breeding sites and the availability of fogging equipment.

Dengue Breeding Check (DBC) workers have been instructed to conduct door-to-door inspections, identify and eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, undertake larval control measures and increase awareness and surveillance in high-risk areas.

Government Hospitals Asked to Stay Prepared

Government hospitals and Primary Health Centres have been directed to remain prepared for the early diagnosis and treatment of dengue.

The preparedness measures include:

- Early diagnosis and laboratory testing

- Clinical assessment of patients

- Identification of dengue warning signs

- Timely referral

- Fluid management

- Treatment of severe dengue cases

- Continuous medical monitoring

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.A. Sengottaiyan also submitted the preliminary report of the Expert Advisory Committee on Disaster Management on El Nino during the meeting.

Health Minister G.K. Arunraj, Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, senior officials and collectors from 14 districts participated in the review, with district collectors joining through videoconference.