Alerting various government officials to have the State geared up to face cyclone ‘Vardah’, Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Sunday directed deployment of relief measures.

Addressing a review meeting at the Secretariat to assess the preparedness of the State to face the impending cyclone ‘Vardah’, the Chief Minister appointed senior IAS officials to monitor the issue from the ground in three districts, including Chennai, Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram.

“Arrangements should be made for evacuating people in low lying and vulnerable areas. Relief centres should be kept ready with necessary food, water and other arrangements. Rescue teams, including the Army, Navy, Airforce and Coast Guard, should be ready,” he said.

While schools and colleges in the three districts have been asked to remain closed on Monday, private hospitals have been asked to keep emergency kits ready to help patients in case of flooding situations. People have also been advised to stay indoors and not remain near water bodies. They have also been requested to keep stock of food items, medicines and drinking water.

Revenue Minister R B Udhayakumar, Chief Secretary to the Government P Rama Mohana Rao and Adviser to the Government Sheela Balakrishnan also participated in the meeting.