The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed teams across coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry ahead of heavy rainfall forecasts from November 26 to 28. These teams have been positioned at strategic locations to be able to undertake search and rescue operations as required.
The NDRF teams have been placed in Karaikal, Thiruvarur, Cuddalore, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai. Meanwhile, two NDRF teams have been deployed in Thanjavur to meet eventualities. The teams are equipped with basic gadgets in the form of communication equipment, search and rescue equipment as well as personal protective equipment.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that some areas in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, starting on November 26 and lasting through November 28. In response to this, the NDRF teams are on high alert, ready to act as needed.
A control room in place at Arakkonam is centrally following the situation round-the-clock in close coordination with the State Emergency Operations Control Room of Tamil Nadu for timely and adequate response.
In the meantime, the deep depression over South West Bay of Bengal has been moving north-northwest at 12 km/ h over the last few hours. The IMD forecast mentions intensification into a cyclonic storm by November 27. However, as it approaches the Tamil Nadu coast, it will probably skirt along the Sri Lanka coastline, with further developments expected in the following days.
Authorities are calling on residents of affected areas to remain informed and exercise vigilance for their own safety during this period.
With input from ANI.