During the December floods in 2015, the Tamil Nadu government had received a lot of flak for not communicating with citizens. As water inundated Chennai, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram, the government seemed to be in limbo.
But this time, things were different.
On December 11, a day before Cyclone Vardah was expected to cross Chennai, the TN govt got into action. The government put out a detailed advisory asking people to stay indoors. What was surprising that the government used all resources possible to spread the word.
Twitter, Facebook, Google Plus and Whatsapp groups created area wise were used by the Chennai Corporation, Chennai City Police and the government to warn people.
On Monday, the Twitter handle of TN Disaster Management Authority (TN SDMA) was buzzing. TNSDMA asked people to send real-time updates on trees uprooted and other blockades caused due to the floods.
#VardahAlert People are requested not to move out since speedy winds are expected further for next couple of hours. Stay indoors.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
#Treefall All tree fall complaints are registered and action is being taken to remove. Pls cooperate.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
#VardahAlert People are requested not to move/venture out until further announcement.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
#Evacuation 7357 people are evacuated to 54 relief centres safely so far.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
#Vardah People are requested not to stand near trees & electric poles. Keep doors & windows closed to be safe.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
#Vardah People are requested not to stand near trees & electric poles. Keep doors & windows closed to be safe.
— TN SDMA (@tnsdma) December 12, 2016
The TN government PR department sent timely updates to media on relief centres and rescue work being carried out by the government. The PR department sent status updates of the damage caused by the cyclone and news of ministers and bureaucrats at work.
The AIADMK party’s Twitter and Facebook accounts posted ‘dos and don’ts during the cyclone’. The party handle also actively put out verified information and about government services.
People in need of any help - Feel free to DM us. We are here 24*7 to serve you in the best way possible. #CycloneVardah
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 12, 2016
People are advised not to park their vehicles near trees: TN DGP pic.twitter.com/hKGYkAqa9K
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 12, 2016
ராயபேட்டை சாலையில் வர்தா புயலின் தாக்கத்தால் அடியோடு சாய்ந்து போக்குவரத்துக்கு இடையூறாக உள்ள மரம் அப்புறப்படுத்தப்பட்டு சீரமைக்கப்படுகிறது. pic.twitter.com/JPjoiZriLS
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 12, 2016
DO'S & DON'TS #CycloneVardah pic.twitter.com/UTEKBqIF8x
— AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) December 12, 2016
In addition, information flow between the government, citizen groups and NGOs was also consistent. Numbers of officers in charge of relief centres, officers with electricity and health departments were all readily shared by the government.
The Chief Minister’s office too was active in sending press statements and warnings to citizens.