Coastal districts in south prepare for the storm

MADURAI: Following forecast by meteorological experts that the depression in Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, which would bring heavy rain to southern districts from December 1 to 3, the coastal districts in the region are taking all precautionary measures, said officials.

According to Kanniyakumari Collector M Arvind, around 30 temporary relief shelters with all basic facilities and power generators have been put up across the district. About 90 per cent of fishermen from the forty-two coastal hamlets comprising four fishing harbours have returned shore, and fishermen aboard 172 boats were being contacted through satellite phones and also with the help of Indian Coast Guard, advising them to head to the nearby safe shores.

Emergency operation centres have been set up at vulnerable areas. The Collector said dams, including Pechiparai and Perunchani, are at a safe level and could withstand even high inflow of water if it rains heavily. The situation is monitored by nine inter-department zonal teams, he added.

In Ramanathapuram, issuance of fishing token has been stopped since Sunday, and all fishermen remain at the 180 coastal hamlets, said Fisheries Department sources.

At Thoothukudi, 24 boats with around 150 fishermen are yet to reach Tharuvaikulam shore. Ten of the boats are expected to return on Monday night and the rest on the next day, sources said. Distant cautionary warning (Signal 1) was hoisted at VO Chidambaranar Port on Monday.