As heavy rains continue to wreak havoc in several parts of Kerala, operations are on in full swing to deal with any kind of any emergency.
The state has requested 10 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams to be deployed in the affected districts. Out of this, seven teams will arrive on Thursday evening. One NDRF team each has already been sent to Nilmabur in Malappuram and to Idukki.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday morning to assess the situation. He directed the departments concerned to take necessary precautions. Police, Fire Force, Revenue and NDRF personnel have been designated for duty at the Emergency Operation Centre of the State Disaster Management Authority, which is fully functional.
“More teams of Fire and Rescue Force have been deployed in Wayanad and Malappuram districts. As per the statistics on Thursday, as many as 1,385 people have been housed at relief camps. Wayanad has the highest number of camps at 16. There is no need for panic in Idukki as the water level in Idukki dam is low. The CM has given directions to district collectors to shift people from vulnerable areas,” a statement from the CM office said.
The CM has also requested people to cooperate with the district administration’s instructions. The meeting concluded that the situation is under control though rain has not receded in the northern parts of the state.
With heavy rains continuing, a red warning was issued in Kannur, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts on Thursday.
State Police chief Loknath Behera has directed district police chiefs to be prepared to deal with any emergency situation and to act in cooperation with the District Disaster Management Authority and the district administration.
Police will rush to rescue people who are isolated and those who need help to shift to safe areas. All wings of the police department, including the battalion wing, have been readied to face any emergency. The police have already started operations in districts that have been affected by the rains.
Health Minister KK Shailaja has given an alert to health department officials. The minister has directed the Director of Health Services and the Medical Education Director to provide ample facilities at hospitals.
“Hospitals should be prepared to meet any kind of emergency. Special medical teams should be prepared to be deployed in camps that open in affected areas,” the minister said.
A red warning means extremely heavy rainfall, an orange warning indicates very heavy rainfall and a yellow warning indicates heavy rainfall.