KOCHI: District Collector K.Mohammed Y. Safirulla has instructed officials concerned to take all precautionary measures in the wake of the Meteorological Department's forecast of very heavy rain in the State. Disaster management deputy collector P.T. Sheela Devi has been assigned with the coordination of precautionary measures.
The Collector has called for an emergency meeting of officials and people's representatives on Friday to review the arrangements. The 24-hour control room with the service of police, fire and rescue and revenue officials should be operational, it has been instructed. Tehsildars have been asked to open control rooms at all taluks. Deputy collectors have been appointed as officers in charge for each taluk.
Relief camps will be opened on Friday in flood and landslide prone areas. Police will make mike announcements in the areas where flood and landslide were reported. The public will be made aware of the chances of very heavy rainfall and landslide.
Public has been urged to avoid night travelling to high-range areas from Friday to Sunday. Tourists will not be permitted on any roads in high-range regions.
Local bodies have been asked to take measures for shifting residents from flood-prone areas, coastal and high-range areas to safer places.
The PHCs and CHCs and hospitals in vulnerable places have been instructed to remain operational round-the-clock. Dams under KSEB and Irrigation Department will be monitored strictly and in case of opening dam shutters, permission should be sought from the district collector, four hours in advance. Shutters will be opened only during day time.
The Fisheries Department will also open 24-hour control rooms along coastal areas. The department has asked fishermen out in the sea to return before Friday. Coastal police and marine enforcement wing will also open control rooms.
