Local bodies in Ernakulam told to open control rooms before monsoon strengthens

KOCHI

With the southwest monsoon expected to make the landfall on May 26, all local self-government institutions in Ernakulam have been directed to open round-the-clock control rooms before the rain gains strength. District Collector G. Priyanka issued the order while reviewing the monsoon preparedness measures.

Official sources said almost half the local bodies in the district had already prepared specific action plans, as per general guidelines, to face the rain-related incidents. “Others are in the process of preparing the plan, and they have been instructed to complete the procedures without delay,” a key district official said.

The local bodies have been instructed to take immediate steps to cut and remove hazardous trees and to procure or hire necessary equipment. Tree committees in the local bodies have been asked to convene urgently to assess the situation.

The Collector ordered that the authorities should ensure that buildings designated as relief camps have all basic facilities. If the existing facilities are found inadequate, the local bodies should submit proper proposals to obtain funds from the disaster relief fund, the Collector said.

The meeting also directed the local bodies to finalise rate contracts in advance to ensure supply of essential items at relief camps.

The local bodies have been instructed to collect detailed information about vulnerable sections, including pregnant women, children, and bedridden patients. Detailed data on available ambulances, earthmoving machinery, and other equipment in each area, along with details of tree committee meetings and control room numbers, must be submitted to the District Disaster Management Authority and taluk offices before May 25.

The Collector, who also chaired a District Disaster Management Authority review meeting, suggested that an emergency meeting of panchayat presidents, village officers, taluk officials, and panchayat secretaries from landslide-prone areas such as Vengola, Ayyampuzha, and Kuttampuzha would be held on May 25.

Special training and awareness sessions on accurately assessing weather warnings, opening relief camps, relocating people to safer places, and effectively responding to emergencies will be conducted.