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

With the southwest monsoon expected to make landfall on May 26, all local self-government institutions in Ernakulam have been instructed to open their control rooms 24 hours before the rain intensifies. District Collector G. Priyanka issued the order while reviewing monsoon preparedness measures.

Official sources said almost half of local institutions in the region have prepared specific action plans in line with general guidelines to face 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.

Local authorities were instructed to immediately take necessary steps to fell and remove hazardous trees and to procure or rent the necessary equipment. Tree committees in local institutions were requested to meet urgently to evaluate the situation.

The Collector instructed officials to ensure that buildings designated as relief camps have all basic amenities. The Collector said local bodies should submit suitable proposals to receive funds from the disaster relief fund if existing facilities are found inadequate.

The meeting also instructed local institutions to finalize price contracts in advance to ensure the supply of essential materials in relief camps.

Local authorities have been instructed to collect detailed information on vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, children and bedridden patients. Detailed data on available ambulances, earth movers and other equipment in each district, along with details of tree committee meetings and control room numbers, need to be submitted to the District Disaster Management Authority and taluk offices before May 25.

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

Special training and awareness sessions will be held on how to properly evaluate weather warnings, open relief camps, relocate people to safer places and respond effectively to emergencies.