Thiruvananthapuram : The Kerala government has intensified its disaster-management measures as heavy rain continues to affect parts of the state. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has directed officials to assess the rain situation on an hourly basis and take immediate precautionary measures wherever necessary.
Following the Chief Minister’s directive, Disaster Management Authority Commissioner Vigneswari IAS convened a meeting with the District Collectors of Idukki and Kottayam to review the prevailing situation and preparedness measures.
SMS Alerts Issued in Idukki and Kottayam
In view of the prevailing weather conditions, SMS alerts have been issued in Idukki and Kottayam districts. District Collectors have been instructed to closely monitor developments and initiate necessary measures based on the ground situation.
The instructions include being prepared for evacuation from vulnerable areas if the situation deteriorates. Authorities have also been asked to ensure coordination among disaster-management teams and local administrations for quick response and rescue operations.
Five Reportedly Swept Away in Nilambur
Meanwhile, information has been received that five people were swept away in the T.K. Colony area of Amarambalam in Nilambur.
Taking the report seriously, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has directed the immediate deployment of a special team of the Disaster Response Force to the area.
Officials have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and intensify rescue and emergency-response operations as required.
With heavy rain continuing, authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance, particularly in areas vulnerable to flooding, landslides and other rain-related hazards. People in vulnerable locations are advised to follow official instructions and move to safer locations whenever evacuation is ordered.
