CM Stalin to hold review meet today on monsoon preparedness

IANS May 19, 2025 363 views

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is convening a critical review meeting to evaluate Tamil Nadu's monsoon readiness at the state Secretariat. The meeting will bring together key officials from disaster management, meteorological services, and municipal administration to strategize flood prevention and emergency response. Early monsoon showers have already begun in Chennai, with several city areas experiencing moderate rainfall and potential traffic disruptions. The government is prioritizing proactive measures to minimize potential urban flooding and ensure citizens' safety during the upcoming monsoon season.

"Preparedness is key to mitigating monsoon challenges" - Government Source
CM Stalin to hold review meet today on monsoon preparedness
Chennai, May 19: With the onset of southwest monsoon rain in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin is set to chair a high-level review meeting on Monday to assess the state’s preparedness and discuss precautionary measures.

Key Points

1

Stalin to assess flood response strategies with top officials

2

Meteorological Centre predicts light to moderate rainfall across region

3

Chennai experiencing early monsoon showers with potential urban challenges

4

District administrations alerted for emergency preparedness

The meeting will be held at the Secretariat. According to official sources, the review session will be attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister K.K.S.S.R. Ramachandran, Chief Secretary Shiv Das Meena, and other senior officials from key departments, including public works, municipal administration, and the meteorological services.

The focus of the meeting will be on flood preparedness, emergency response, and infrastructure resilience in light of the prevailing weather conditions.

The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Chennai has forecast light to moderate rainfall in several parts of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal until May 23, attributing the weather to an atmospheric circulation currently active over the southeastern Bay of Bengal.

Chennai has already begun experiencing moderate showers since early Monday morning.

Several areas in the city -- including Egmore, Velachery, Guindy, Madipakkam, Saidapet, and T. Nagar -- reported steady rainfall, providing relief from the recent heatwave but also causing minor disruptions in traffic movement during peak hours.

The Greater Chennai Corporation and other civic bodies have been alerted to step up stormwater drain clearance and ensure quick removal of waterlogging to avoid flooding in low-lying areas.

Officials are also likely to brief the Chief Minister on the status of desilting operations and the readiness of emergency response teams in vulnerable zones.

Meanwhile, district administrations across the state have been asked to remain vigilant and keep flood shelters, medical aid, and essential supplies ready in case of heavy downpours or related emergencies.

With more showers anticipated in the coming days, the state government is expected to announce a set of precautionary guidelines following the review meeting, especially for urban centres and flood-prone districts.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Good to see proactive measures being taken before the monsoon hits hard! Last year's flooding in Chennai was a nightmare. Hope this time the stormwater drains are properly cleared. The GCC should also ensure no plastic waste blocks the drainage systems. #ChennaiRains
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Rahul S.
Meetings are good but implementation is key. Every year we hear about 'preparedness' but low-lying areas still get flooded. Why not use technology like flood sensors in vulnerable zones? Also, where are the results of last year's drainage projects?
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Meena V.
As a Velachery resident, I'm relieved to see action being taken early. The rains today were pleasant but our area is always the first to flood. Requesting officials to personally inspect the stormwater drains here - they get clogged within hours of rain starting!
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Karthik N.
Hope they discuss coordination between departments this time. Last monsoon, GCC workers were clearing drains while metro construction debris was blocking them elsewhere! 🤦‍♂️ Also, please ensure hospitals have backup power - critical during floods.
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Ananya P.
The heat was unbearable last week, so these showers are godsend! But government should also prepare for possible waterborne diseases that follow monsoon. Maybe start awareness campaigns about dengue prevention along with flood prep?
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Suresh M.
While Chennai gets attention, I hope they also review preparedness in other districts like Cuddalore and Nagapattinam which face cyclones. The state disaster response force should be equally equipped in rural areas, not just cities.

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Tags:
M.K. Stalin Tamil Nadu Monsoon Chennai Rainfall Disaster Management Flood Preparedness