Villupuram Collector Sheik Abdul Rahman on Thursday chaired a meeting at the Collectorate with officials from various departments to review the preparatory measures being taken in view of the Northeast monsoon.
The Collector instructed the officials to monitor and step up vigil around waterbodies and low-lying areas that are prone to flooding.
The Public Works Department should strengthen the embankments of waterbodies and channels.
As a precautionary measure, sandbags should be kept ready to plug leakages of bunds during heavy rains.
Mr. Rahman advised the Line Departments to identify and map vulnerable areas, create a database on the identified areas with the first responders, and audit their preparedness.
They were also assessed for the readiness of interventions, and rescue and relief operations with earthmovers, inflatable boats and motorboats, tree cutters, fire extinguishers, diesel generators, and sandbags, among others.
Officials from the District Rural Development Agency were instructed to inspect schools and relief camps -- the strength of the buildings, drinking water and sanitation facilities, to accommodate people during heavy rains.
Government hospitals, and Rural and Urban Primary Health Centres should be equipped with enough stock of medicines. The Cooperative Department should ensure the availability of sufficient quantities of essential commodities at fair price shops.
Mr. Rahman also urged officials to ensure interdepartmental coordination in monsoon preparedness.