“Swift Relief Efforts for Cyclone Mandous Victims in Tamil Nadu”

In the districts of Villupuram, Cuddalore, and Kallakurichi, the Tamil Nadu government has initiated relief measures on a war footing to assist the people affected by heavy rains caused by Cyclone ‘Mandous.’

Following the announcement by the India Meteorological Department regarding the potential heavy rainfall in Chennai and its surrounding districts due to Cyclone Mandous forming in the Bay of Bengal, Honorable Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Thiru M.K. Stalin promptly inspected various rain-affected areas. He personally oversaw the precautionary measures and held discussions with district officials of Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Ranipet, Cuddalore, and Villupuram regarding the relief measures in place.

During this inspection, the Chief Minister directed district collectors to immediately implement relief measures, ensure evacuation of residents from flood-prone areas to pre-established relief camps, and provide them with essential supplies, including food, drinking water, and medical assistance.

Subsequently, on December 2, 2024, the Chief Minister visited Villupuram district to assess the damage caused by heavy rains due to Cyclone Mandous. He reviewed the relief and rehabilitation activities and instructed officials to provide food supplies, essential goods, and relief assistance to the affected people.

Further, in Villupuram, Kallakurichi, and Cuddalore districts, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Legislative Assembly, local government representatives, monitoring officers, and district administrations are actively coordinating the rescue and relief efforts.

In Villupuram district, under the Chief Minister’s directives, 105 relief camps were established, providing shelter to 20,625 people (8,885 men, 8,919 women, and 2,821 children) rescued from low-lying flood-hit areas. The government has supplied food and medical assistance to these camps. A total of 49,848 food packets were distributed, and community kitchens from six main centers prepared an additional 82,296 food packets for the affected people.

Apart from those staying in relief camps, 2,90,140 food packets and 4,000 liters of milk cartons were distributed to affected families outside the camps. Basic supplies, including rice, clothing, tarpaulins, water bottles, and sanitary items, were also provided to ensure the well-being of those impacted.

Medical camps were conducted in flood-affected areas to prevent the spread of diseases. A total of 183 camps were held, benefiting 11,578 people with medical assistance.

In Cuddalore district, 35 relief camps were set up, accommodating 19,654 people. A total of 68,350 food packets were provided through 15 community kitchens established for this purpose. Additionally, essential items like drinking water, bread, and biscuits were distributed to those affected. Medical camps were conducted in 50 locations, treating 5,285 people.

In Kallakurichi district, proactive measures by the district administration under government guidance ensured that no casualties occurred despite the heavy rainfall caused by Cyclone Mandous. Relief efforts included sheltering 1,980 people in 16 relief camps and providing them with 3,809 food packets and essential supplies.

Sanitation measures were taken in flood-hit areas, with 1,630 sanitation workers deployed across urban and rural localities to clean and disinfect affected areas. Medical camps provided checkups and medicine to residents in impacted villages.

Efforts to rehabilitate and provide aid to affected communities are ongoing across the three districts, ensuring relief and support to all those in need.