THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high level meeting at the State Disaster Management Authority’s emergency operations centre here to review the flood situation in the state.
So far 53 deaths have been reported in the state. Over 1.45 lakh people have been evacuated from flood-hit areas and 41,000 families are in 1,221 relief camps across the state.
The Chief Minister said efforts were on to reach 200 families including forest officials stuck at Vaniyampuzha Munderi in Malappuram district.
More than 80 landslides have been reported from eight districts over last two days, with major casualties in Kavalppara in Malappuram and Meppady in Wayanad.
The Chief Minister said police, fire force and central forces were carrying out joint rescue operations at many places. Fishemen have also joined in the rescue operations like last year.
Pinarayi lauded the services being rendered by staff of various government departments who were engaged in the rescue operations risking their lives. He paid rich tributes to KSEB assistant engineer Mr Baiju lost his life while discharging duty in the flood affected area.
While the rains have subsided in Ernakulam district, the situation in Pathamanthitta continues to be bad. The water level in Pampa river is increasing. The authorities have started 15 relief camps in Thiruvalla. People residing in flood prone areas in Kozhencherry are being evacauted to safer plces.
Chief minister appealed to the people residing in flood and landslide prone areas to follow the instructions of the district administration and move to safer places. This is crucial for avoiding major tragedies.
So far 15.6 lakh electricity connections have been affected. Power supply to northern districts which was disrupted because of rising water level in Chaliyar river, will be restored with he help of police. KSEB will shut down nine sub stations. Four small power houses have also developed snag.
Many roads have suffered extensive damage during the ranis. Six major roads of PWD have been shut for traffic movement in flood affected districts. Efforts are going on a warfooting to remove the hurdles and restore traffic.
The chief minster said that problem of network coverage was affecting communication services in high range districts. Authorities have been asked to intervene in such areas and provide required fuel and remove snags on priority to restore communication services. “Cell on wheels” have been arranged in areas where towers been damaged or connectivity snapped.
The chief minister denied reports that there was fuel shorage in the state. Even Wayanad has sufficient fuel stock for three days. If required more fuel will be sent to the distirct with the help of police.
On the demand of Kerala government, the Tamil Nadu authorities have stared maintenance work in Kondoor canal. The excessive flow from the canal was resulting in rise in water level in Chalakudy river.
The chief minister said that government officies will function on public holidays. Officials of all deparmnets which are currently engaged in rescue and relief activities will be on duty. A special order has been issued asking the staff to remain on duty, ensure sufficient vehicles, equipment and other paraphernalia required for rescue and relief. The collectors will coordinate with department heads.
