CHENNAI: Even as the Southwest monsoon has started gaining momentum, authorities in districts, which are receiving the considerable amount of rainfall, have been put on high alert while the Nilgiris district is being given special attention as it is vulnerable to landslides.
Parts of Tamil Nadu have begun to witness downpour as the monsoon slowly progresses.
On Wednesday, several parts of Chennai city received good amount of rainfall as the skies opened up in the afternoon.
With the Meteorological department forecasting better showers during the period, the officials have swung into action to initiate precautionary measures.
As part of measures to tackle any eventuality during the course of the Southwest monsoon, the district authorities have been asked to keep the interdepartmental zonal teams and the first responders on alert mode.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)-trained personnel have also been asked to remain well equipped to respond to any emergencies. “We have instructed Collectors of those districts covered by the Southwest monsoon to take all necessary precautionary measures,” Commissioner for Revenue Administration (CRA) and Relief Commissioner K Satyagopal told Express on Wednesday.
He added that relief shelters would also be kept ready for accommodating evacuees in case of any emergency situation due to torrential showers.
The Southwest monsoon accounts for 35 per cent of the total volume (920.90 mm) of rainfall received in Tamil Nadu.
Given the past record of heavy rains followed by horrific landslides, the hill district of Nilgiris has been put on the radar, along with Krishnagiri.
According to Satyagopal, “The Collectors of Nilgiris and Krishnagiri have been asked to keep a close vigil on the situation. They have also been directed to form special teams to monitor the situation.”
Mobile teams will also be pressed in all districts that may be pounded by the monsoon rains.
Ariyalur, Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Villupuram, Kancheepuram, Dharmapuri, Tiruvallur, Krishnagiri, Kanniyakumari and Nilgiris are the major districts covered by the Southwest monsoon. These apart, Coimbatore too receives showers during the period. Last year it received 510 mm during the season that lasted from June to September.
Last year, a total of 414.3 mm rainfall was recorded in all 32 districts during southwest monsoon. The amount is 29 per cent higher than the normal volume. Tiruvannamalai topped the chart with 621 mm rains, 33 per cent more than normal, sources said. However, 2016 was a disappointment.