Markapuram Collector Orders Precautionary Measures Against Heavy Rain
Markapuram Collector M. Vijaya Sunitha directed officials to prepare for heavy rain and a possible cyclonic storm, prioritising public safety and protection of election materials.
Markapuram district collector M. Vijaya Sunitha has directed officials to remain on high alert and take precautionary measures in view of the possibility of a depression over the east-central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensifying into a cyclonic storm.
She ordered the immediate establishment of round-the-clock control rooms at divisional and mandal headquarters. Field staff were directed to identify vulnerable areas and prepare to shift people from low-lying areas to safer locations and rehabilitation centres.
Hospitals must maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines, while pregnant women nearing their delivery dates should be shifted to better-equipped hospitals. Officials were also asked to ensure safe drinking water, adequate sanitation supplies, uninterrupted water supply through generators and tankers, and sufficient stocks of essential commodities at ration shops.
The collector directed officials to inspect vulnerable roads, canals and irrigation structures and carry out repairs wherever necessary. Fire stations must keep boats, life jackets and search-and-rescue equipment ready.
Special precautions were ordered to protect polling stations, ballot boxes, ballot papers and other election materials from rain and moisture in view of the local body elections.
Officials were also instructed to submit reports on property damage and crop losses to the district administration without delay.