Thiruvananthapuram: In all likelihood of heavy rains in state, the government has instructed all machinery to stay in ready mode, informed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. According to the Meteorological Department, the depression expected to form over southeast Arabian sea would intensify into a cyclonic storm and travel towards north western parts of the state. The state Disaster Management Authority met to take stock of likely scenario.
Residents in coastal settlements might be evacuated to safer places if necessary. With possibility of high winds and heavy downpours looming, uninterrupted oxygen plants and power supply will be ensured at all Covid hospitals uninterrupted. Instructions have been issued to install generators at hospitals too. Task Forces have been formed at Power Department to effect quick repairs in the eventuality of power failure in any area. Helicopters will be stationed in Thiruvananthapuram for emergency.
Since heavy rains would likely trigger water-logging and mild floods at places and uproot trees at other places apart from landslides causing accidents at hilly places, the Chief Minister has called for high vigil on part of residents.
24-hr Control Room
The Control Rooms opened under state’s Disaster Management Authority will function 24 hours. The toll free number is 1077.
Fishing Prohibited
The Arabian sea will grow stormy by Thursday and fisher folks are prohibited from venturing out for fishing.
Severe Rains
Heavy downpours are forecast in isolated places up to Sunday with winds gusting up to 55 km per hour. Severe rains are predicted and Orange Alerts issued for Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur on Friday and on Saturday for districts of Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki and Thrissur and on Sunday for Kannur and Kasaraggod.
