Ernakulam steps up emergency measures after red alert
The district administration has stepped up emergency preparedness in the wake of the India Meteorological department issuing a red alert for Ernakulam amid incessant rain
The district administration has stepped up emergency preparedness in the wake of the India Meteorological department issuing a red alert for Ernakulam amid incessant rain and strong winds. Officials have been instructed to intensify precautionary measures in vulnerable areas, mainly the eastern regions where the flood threat has persisted for some time. An emergency meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), chaired by District Collector G. Priyanka, reviewed the rain situation and instructed tahsildars and village officers to remain on high alert as heavy rainfall continued in neighbouring Idukki district and the hilly regions of Muvattupuzha and Kothamangalam. As many as 202 people from 64 families were staying in nine relief camps on Tuesday.
The camps include two in Kothamangalam taluk, three in Kunnathunad, and four in Muvattupuzha. Among them were 73 men, 103 women and 27 children, including 14 senior citizens. “More camps will be opened in Muvattupuzha if required. The water level in the Muvattupuzha river has remained above the warning mark due to continuous rain in the region and outflow of excess water from the Malankara dam. No major rain-related incidents were reported in the district on Tuesday, though rainfall intensified in the city and its suburbs from noon onwards,” a DDMA official said. As part of precautionary steps, all tourist destinations in the district have been ordered to remain closed, while boat services have been suspended.
The administration has also prohibited visits to rivers, reservoirs, and beaches, including taking selfies at such locations. The Mining and Geology department ordered the suspension of all mining activities in the district for three days from Tuesday. Night-time traffic in the hilly regions of the district was restricted from 7 p.m. on August 4 to 7 a.m. on August 5, with travel permitted only for emergencies. Control rooms at the collectorate and all taluk offices will function round the clock. Four-member squads led by deputy tahsildars have been formed, while Fire and Rescue Services, police, and the Motor Vehicles department have been directed to remain on alert and ensure the availability of emergency equipment, including excavators and tractors.
Since heavy rain began on August 1, eight houses in the district have been damaged. Seven houses suffered partial damage, while one was completely destroyed. A commercial shop in Aluva taluk also sustained partial damage. Holiday declared All educational institutions in the district will remain closed on Wednesday (August 5) in view of the heavy rainfall the district has been receiving, according to a communication issued by the Ernakulam District Collector.
The BriefWire