Cyclone Vardah: TN CM orders ministers to aid disaster management mission

O Panneerselvam appealed to the people to stay indoors as Cyclone Vardah made landfall near Chennai

Chennai, Dec 12: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Monday appealed to the people to stay indoors as Cyclone Vardah made landfall near Chennai. The CM, in his first such statement asked people to avoid venturing out till 7 pm on Monday.

O Panneerselvam asked all ministers to assist in relief and rescue operations. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam cadres are on the streets in affected localities. The CM also appealed to the people to avoid using their two-wheelers and four-wheelers until the rains stop.

The state energy minister P Thangamani announced that electricity will be restored shortly in localities facing blackouts. The government had earlier stated that Amma Canteens would be functional all day even though most establishments were asked to shut down.

The government's move is in contrast to December 2015 deluge situation in the same localities. The then Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa and her ministers came under severe criticism for refusing to acknowledge the situation or make any statements.

It was only after severe criticism that the government called for a press conference to appraise the people about the situation and the measures being taken.

OneIndia News