Thiruvananthapuram: This is not a time to blame one another. However, reports emerging from Rajya Sabha speak of Union Home Minister’s claim that says Kerala received early warning but did not act on it adequately.
Fact 1: The areas where disaster struck had Orange Alerts at the time, issued by the Central Meteorological Centre meaning, rainfall between 115 and 204 mm. However in actuality, the rainfall received far exceeded that bracket. The region received 200 mm of rains in the first 24 hours and 372 mm in the next 24 hours, totalling 572 mm in 48 hours – a ferocity far higher than official forecasts.
Fact 2: True, the Red Alert in the area was issued on the disaster day. Question is, when? The Red Alert was issued at six o'clock in the morning, when the landslides had already struck.
Other Aspects: The central meteorological department, the IMD, did not issue any Orange Alerts between July 23 and July 28, for Kerala. The Alert came only on July 29 at 1 pm for Wayanad district. The Red Alert and the possibility of heavy rain for Wayanad were announced only at 6 am on 30th of July, well after the landslides had struck.
The Geological Survey of India, on its part, issued a Green Alert on July 29 at 2 pm, meant for July 30 and 31, indicating a possibility of minor landslides or rock bursts within span of those two days. However, by then, the heavy rain was already pouring and the devastating landslides had already occurred.
From July 23 to 29, the Central Water Commission, which is responsible for issuing flood warnings, did not issue any warning for either Iruvazhinji Puzha or Chaliyar. The Union Home Minister has thus presented information in Parliament that is non-consistent with facts.
Based on Kerala's prior request, the NDRF teams were made available at the beginning of the rainy season. Kerala asked for 9 NDRF teams. The government had already deployed a team in Wayanad district. Preparations are in place for all areas with prior notification of floods and other natural calamities, including landslides.
Climate change has altered the environment dynamics drastically. We have to take proactive steps to address and adapt to the changes. When faced with aftermaths of calamities, can we become evasive by saying it’s not in our line of duty? The Central government should consider the situation on hand in all its seriousness. As part of addressing climate change, effective measures should be planned and adopted to mitigate impending disasters, said CM.
