Bengaluru : The State is all geared up to provide relief works as cyclone Tauktae is intensifying into a severe cyclone. After holding a state disaster management meeting along with Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Saturday evening, Revenue Minister Mr R Ashoka told media,

“We are constantly monitoring the progress of the cyclone and the rains may intensify in Dakshina Kannada district by tonight. The fishermen have been warned of not venturing into the sea till May 18.

The deputy commissioners have been asked to alert all people residing in low lying areas and make plans to shift them to safer locations. DCs have been asked to identify people residing in houses identified as prone to landslides should shift to relatives’ houses or relief centres. Eight relief camps will be set up in three districts; Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts.

Relief Centres including Multipurpose Cyclone Shelters constructed under NCRMP have been identified. Groceries and other relief items will be stocked for relief camps. Sufficient quantities of masks, sanitizers/soaps are stocked. Evacuation plans to relief centers are in place for each vulnerable area. Nodal officers have been appointed.

Two NDRF teams (two in Dakshina Kannada and one in Kodagu) have been stationed while SDRF teams has also been stationed in the coastal area. All the holidays for the officials have been cancelled. There will be no shortage of money for relief works as Rs 23 crore has been reserved for Udupi, Rs 60 crore for Uttara Kannada and 12 crore for Dakshina Kannada. Sufficient Funds have been placed at the disposal of Districts in the Calamity PD Account of DCs for taking up relief measures.”