Tamil Nadu Government Launches New App to Tackle Monsoon Challenges
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Chennai faces heavy rainfall with lightning and thunderstorms; IMD issues a yellow alert.
- CM Stalin announces the “TN-Alert” app for real-time weather updates in Tamil.
- Government prioritises saving lives and prepares flood prevention measures with real-time data systems.
Chennai: The city has been experiencing a spell of torrential rainfall for the past few days as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for lightning and thunderstorms. Amid this, speaking at a meeting on Monday to prepare for the upcoming North East Monsoon, the Chief Minister M K Stalin announced the launch of a new mobile app called “TN-Alert.” This app will provide real-time weather updates to the people in Tamil, helping them take necessary precautions.
Before learning about this app and how it will help residents, here’s a look at weekly weather forecast for Chennai:
The weather forecast for the next few days indicates partly cloudy skies with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning accompanied by light to moderate rain in some areas. On 1st September 2024, temperatures will range between 34-35°C during the day and 26-27°C at night. Similar conditions are expected on 2nd and 3rd October 2024, with temperatures reaching 35°C during the day and 27°C at night. Thunderstorms and lightning with light to moderate rain are likely to continue during this period. By 4th and 5th October, the temperatures will hover between 34-35°C during the day and 26-27°C at night, with thunderstorms expected in some areas, but the intensity of rain may decrease slightly. On 6th October, the sky is predicted to remain partly cloudy with light to moderate rain likely, although no thunderstorms are expected.
The meeting, held at the state secretariat, included officials from various departments, as per a dtnext report. Stalin shed light on the recent inauguration of the upgraded State Emergency Control Centre on August 22 and explained how the new app will function. He said, “The TN-Alert app will regularly share important weather information like forecasts, current conditions, rainfall levels, and the storage status of reservoirs. This will allow people to better plan for the weather.”
Real-Time Data for Better Management
The Chief Minister also spoke about the upgraded emergency control centre, which now has multi-disciplinary experts on board. He stressed the importance of real-time rainfall data for effective water management in reservoirs and issuing accurate flood warnings. To this end, the state government has installed 1,400 automatic rainfall recorders and 100 weather forecasting centres across Tamil Nadu. Additionally, new communication equipment will provide cyclone and heavy rain warnings to fishermen heading out for deep-sea fishing.
Saving Lives is the Top Priority
CM Stalin said that saving lives during calamities is the top priority for the government. He mentioned that the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has set up a flood warning system to provide detailed street-level data. Referring to the devastation caused by last year’s monsoon in Chennai, Tirunelveli, and Thoothukudi, Stalin said, “We must act as a team to prevent the loss of even a single life.”
He also advised field workers to relocate people to relief shelters before floods hit and ensure they are provided with basic necessities like drinking water, power, food, and proper sanitation. He instructed officials to place essential equipment like motors, chainsaws, boats, and excavators in vulnerable low-lying areas.
Preparing for the Monsoon
To ensure proper preparedness, CM Stalin directed senior officials to complete flood prevention measures before the monsoon begins. He stressed the importance of appointing knowledgeable officials to oversee the preparations in each district. In Chennai, the monitoring officers must inspect each zone’s preparedness and ensure tasks like desilting water bodies, clearing blockages, and strengthening bunds are completed. He also asked the administration to pay special attention to vulnerable groups like the elderly, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and disabled individuals.
Several key ministers and officials, including Chief Secretary N Muruganandam, were present at the meeting.
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