The Puducherry District Disaster Management Authority has issued instructions to all departments to remain on high alert in view of yesterday’s cloudburst incident in Chennai. Though the Meteorological Department has forecast only light to moderate rain in Puducherry, authorities have stressed that cloudbursts cannot be predicted in advance and utmost caution is necessary.
The District Collector has directed all emergency support departments, including Local Bodies, PWD, Electricity, Police, Health, Fire and Rescue Services, to activate their control rooms and keep preparedness plans ready.
The PWD has been asked to deploy motor pumps in vulnerable areas, while the Information and Publicity Department will run awareness campaigns cautioning citizens against risks such as standing under old buildings, trees, poles, or near river banks.
Hospitals are to be kept on standby, Fire Services ready for rescue operations, and Police prepared for traffic regulation and law and order duties during emergencies.