Action plan to face monsoon fury

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With monsoon gaining strength in the state, Kerala State Disaster Management Authority and Revenue Authorities have come out with a detailed action plan to meet monsoon-related emergencies in all districts. The detailed action plan comprising 45 recommendations has been put in place to meet the challenges during southwest and northeast monsoons from June to December. The district disaster management apparatus has been put on preparedness mode by which authorities could make arrangements preemptively.  District Emergency Operation Centres would compulsorily have fixed mobile numbers. Last year some of the DEOCs had not complied with the direction causing problems in preparedness. At present these centres are having different connectivity mode including internet, fax and hotline. Three districts; Idukki, Wayanad and Ernakulam have been given Satellite phones through which they can directly call the SDMA,  PMO or national emergency response centre.

This year the guidelines are a bit more elaborate. Specific directions have been issued in terms of fund utilisation and measures for disaster prevention.  The SDMA will focus on monitoring on field response. One of the major directions is about pruning and cutting of dangerous trees. During monsoon uprooting of trees often lead to major mishaps. A committee comprising officials of local bodies, revenue and forest department would assess the threat posed by trees located on the government or PSU owned land and from time to time recommend pruning and cutting. DDMAs will take their recommendations on priority. Those departments which fail to comply with the instructions will have to pay adequate compensation should there be a mishap. The lack of proper lighting often hampers relief and rescue operations during mishaps that take place in the night or in the wee hours.

Each taluk has been directed to procure at least two ASKA lights which could be kept either with police stations or fire stations. Another major problem is the road accidents that increase during monsoon season and the worst are those involving tankers carrying petroleum products. In many cases the drivers fall off to sleep causing major accidents. In order to prevent such avoidable mishaps, SDMA has recommended that tanker lorries plying on the main routes between 10 pm to 6 am should be stopped at each district border for a 30 minute compulsory break. During this period the drivers and lorry staff could be offered tea and snacks. Such an initiative could prevent mishaps in a big way. What has been also found is the lack of effective communication to officials concerned in districts when shutters of major dams are opened. For instance when shutters of Sabarigiri or Pamba dams are lifted, besides intimating the district collector of Pathamthitta where these dams are located, the information should also be passed on to the collectors of Alappuzha and Ernakulam to remain alert because of the flooding that could happen in rivers passing through these districts.

The monsoon season is also a nightmare for homeless who spend the night on the road pavements, shop verandhas and bus shelters. Last year Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had called for measures to ensure such vulnerable people are taken care of during the monsoon season. The social justice department has been asked to make arrangements for night shelters and food for such sections. Coastal areas which bear the brunt during monsoon are being given to priority in the action plan. Coastal police and marine police have been asked to take immediate steps for keeping high speed sea worthy boats ready for any emergency operation. Besides, taluk supply offices have been directed to stock up essential commodities including food and kerosene for relief camps. Officials say the midterm evaluation of the implementation of recommendations givenby SDMA will take place in mid July. Officials and departments which do not comply with these directions would be held accountable.  Last year the state witnessed weak monsoon hence rain related accidents and emergencies were not many. However, the SDMA is not taking any chances this season as prepares departments concerned to meet any exigency.