CHENNAI: In view of a huge quantity of water being released from Mettur Dam, the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management has issued alerts and sensitised district Collectors on the precautionary measures to be initiated to avert loss of lives and livestock. Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, Revenue minister RB Udayakumar said a detailed circular was issued on the guidelines to be followed during floods in Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Namakkal, Karur, Tiruchy, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam and Cuddalore districts located along the banks of Cauvery.
The public have been advised not to venture into water bodies while water was being flushed. They were warned against swimming, fishing and other recreational activities.Those residing in low-lying areas have been asked to move to safer places when water is released from the dam. Parents have been advised not to let their children move down river bed and play there.
Udhayakumar said farmers have been asked to keep their livestock at safer places while local bodies have been directed to display warning boards and signages on pathways across rivers. Moreover, the Collectors had been asked to take steps to keep temporary shelters ready.