Cyclone Mandous intensifies; Check out what precautions are taken by the authorities

Digital Desk: As Cyclone Mandous expanded over the southwest and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a heavy rainfall warning for the beaches of north Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

Several states are expected to see exceptionally severe rainfall over the next few days as a result of cyclonic storm Mandous, according to the weather forecasting organisation. 

On, Thursday, the IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy to very heavy precipitation over coastal Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Karaikal, as well as isolated heavy rainfall over neighbouring parts of south coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. 

Following that, rainfall activity is expected to decrease. However, significant rains are expected in several portions of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh on December 10. According to ANI reports, squally winds are expected across Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and south Andhra Pradesh through December 10.

1) Fishermen are warned not to enter into the Southeast Bay of Bengal, along and off the Sri Lanka coast, during these days. 

2) Given the heavy rainfall warning, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy convened a review meeting of the Puducherry Disaster Management Authority. According to ANI, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) squad is also on high alert and ready to deal with any eventuality. 

3) According to Sandeep Kumar, Commander and Sub-Inspector, 4 battalions, NDRF Arakkonam, "Our squad are prepared with all necessary equipment. Our team members have received training in their respective fields. When we receive a need for assistance, we race to the scene."

4) Chittoor District Collector Y Harinarayanan of Andhra Pradesh has urged district and Mandal level officials from all departments to remain cautious and make prior preparations for relief activities in the aftermath of Cyclone Mandus for four days from December 8 to 11. 

5) A review of the advance plans for relief measures to be done in the aftermath of Cyclone Mandus was also performed on Wednesday through a video conference from the district secretariat. 

6) The Chittoor District Collector stated that they wish to make accessible those who eat midday meals in schools and make key commodities available for meal arrangements as part of identifying rehabilitation centres first and establishing minimal amenities for them.