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The residents of Puducherry are bracing themselves for another potential round of devastating floods, as the Regional Meteorological Centre in Chennai has issued a forecast predicting another spell of heavy rainfall in the region. This news comes as a heavy blow to the people who are still recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Fengal and the subsequent release of water from dams in neighboring Tamil Nadu districts. Areas like Krishna Nagar, Rainbow Nagar, Venkata Nagar, and Chellan Nagar in the town, along with several villages around the Bahour region, are particularly vulnerable, having experienced severe flooding just recently. The memory of the destruction caused by Cyclone Fengal is still fresh in the minds of the residents, with many recounting the arduous task of cleaning up their homes and clearing debris from the streets. The sheer emotional and physical toll of such an event is palpable in the anxieties expressed by individuals like Divya Rani, a resident of Krishna Nagar, who fears a repeat of the recent devastation.
The impending threat of heavy rain stems from a newly formed weather system in the Bay of Bengal. This has prompted the District Administration to issue urgent warnings, urging residents to remain vigilant. While there's currently no threat of another cyclone, the government is taking no chances, particularly given the anticipated heavy rainfall and the fact that water is already being released from the Sathanur and Veedur dams in Tamil Nadu. In response, proactive measures are being undertaken. A team from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed to Puducherry to assist in disaster relief efforts, should they become necessary. The Public Works Department (PWD) has installed high-efficiency pump sets in vulnerable areas to help drain rainwater quickly and prevent further waterlogging. Sandbags have been strategically placed near culverts to act as barriers against rising water levels. The Commune Panchayats and Revenue Department have actively engaged in public announcements, warning residents in approximately 25 villages within the Bahour taluk about the potential for flooding due to water releases from the dams.
The District Collector, A. Kulothungan, has issued a public release, advising people to move to designated relief camps if waterlogging occurs in their residences. He also stressed the importance of preparedness, urging residents to charge their battery lights, stockpile essential supplies such as food, candles, matches, and medicines. Safety precautions were emphasized, with an explicit warning against approaching water bodies. The Collector highlighted the crucial role of lessons learned from the recent floods, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and caution. He urged residents to ignore false information circulating on social media and to rely only on official updates and instructions provided by government agencies. Several contact numbers—112, 1077, and a WhatsApp number—were provided as channels for seeking assistance in case of emergency. The coordinated efforts by the government, including the NDRF deployment, proactive infrastructure measures, public awareness campaigns, and the establishment of relief camps, demonstrate a commitment to mitigating the potential impact of the predicted heavy rainfall.
The situation in Puducherry underscores the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events and the importance of robust disaster preparedness. The emotional toll on residents who have recently endured devastating floods is significant, and the looming threat of further rain only exacerbates their anxieties. The government's response, while proactive, needs to be viewed within the context of a broader, long-term strategy for flood management and disaster resilience. The call for a long-term plan to address the recurrent flooding problem is a crucial demand for the future, demanding attention not only at the local level but also involving broader regional cooperation in managing water resources and infrastructure. The heavy reliance on timely forecasts and effective communication of warnings to the population highlights the significant role that meteorological services and disaster response teams play in safeguarding lives and property.
Source: Residents keep fingers crossed over forecast of another spell of heavy rain in Puducherry