AP Home Minister Calls for Enhanced Disaster Response
VISHAKHAPATNAM: Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and immediate action in response to natural calamities. During a video conference she held with officials on Tuesday, Anitha asked district collectors and SPs from Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Anakapalli, Alluri Sitarama Raju and Manyam districts to ensure that effective rescue and relief steps are in place to mitigate loss of life and property.
The meeting reviewed the impact of two cyclones that struck the state in the last 15 days and the heavy rainfall on Sept 8 and 9. She asked district officials to monitor reservoir levels and ensure that the irrigation department conducts regular assessments of reservoir gates to prevent flooding.
In light of the ongoing weather challenges, she proposed formation of emergency teams in villages, styled as “Adapamitra” teams in each village. Each team consists of five trained personnel to enhance local preparedness for disasters. She also called for establishment of permanent toll-free numbers in control rooms across districts to facilitate quick communication during emergencies.
Anitha highlighted the critical role of technology in disaster management and called for collection of advance information from neighbouring states to facilitate timely evacuations from vulnerable areas.
She also cautioned fishermen against venturing out during adverse weather conditions and suggested utilizing their boats in coordination with NDRF and SDRF teams for rescue operations.