Chennai: The threat of a cyclonic storm is looming large in Tamil Nadu. The low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep pressure and will intensify into a cyclonic storm named ‘Mandous’ by Thursday evening. The effect of this storm will be on the coasts of North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the adjoining South Andhra Pradesh. It can take a formidable form in the next 48 hours.
The northern coastal districts of Tamil Nadu are likely to receive very heavy rain for the next three days. The state government has prepared its disaster management teams to deal with any emergency. At the same time, precautions are being taken in view of the danger of the storm. All the District Collectors of the State have been instructed to remain prepared and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in six districts.
The state government has opened over 5,000 relief camps in cyclone-prone districts to house the people who are evacuated from low-lying areas. All basic amenities including food, drinking water, and health needs have been provided to the people living in the camp. A round-the-clock control room has also been opened to monitor the effect of the rains, which will keep an eye on the heavy rain for the next two days and its impact on the state.