Thiruvananthapuram : With no respite from severe rains that continues unabated, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people exercise caution and remain vigilant to surroundings. One should avoid getting into risky conditions and become willing to be shifted temporarily if necessary. 105 relief camps have been opened. People must follow guideline issued by authorities and avoid unnecessary travel in this weather, said CM.
The IMD has predicted severe rains together with high winds, thunder and lighting to last throughout state until end of today, 17 October. The depression in Arabian sea close to Lakshadweep that triggered this onslaught, has reduced in intensity. Even so, rains are expected to last until end of the day. As per IMD forecast this morning, yellow alert has been issued for districts of Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram and Kozhikode.
The government has opened 105 relief camps. Arrangements are in place, to speedily set up more if necessary.
One army unit has been deployed in Thiruvananthapuram and another at Kottayam. Also a unit comprising DSC(Defence Security Corps) has been assigned to Kozhikode and one positioned in Wayanad. The Air Force and Navy have been instructed to remain in ready mode just in case.
An ETF(Engineer Task Force) from Banglore has set out for Mundakayam. Two copters of the Air Force have arrived in Thiruvananthapuram.
There are reports of people stranded close to Mullappally in Pathanamthitta district and although Air Force is conducting rescue operations, two helicopters have been summoned following indications that air lifting might become essential.
Navy helicopters have been deployed for distributing food packets in Kuttikkal and Kokkayar where landslides occurred.
The State Emergency Management Centre has upped activity. Employees from KSEB, Irigation Dept, Motor Vehicle and other departments have been, for 24 hours, assigned to conduct dam evaluations at various Emergency Management centres. The State Emergency Management Centre is in constant touch with Police, Fire Force, Land Revenue Department and Control Rooms, and have directed heads of all departments to stay prepared for action in case of emergency.
As per latest IMD directives, fishermen are prohibited from venturing into sea off coasts in Kerala, Karnataka and Lakshadweep.
