With the State all set to receive the first southwest monsoon after the devastating 2018 floods, the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) has operationalised its new disaster preparedness guidelines for the rainy season.
The ‘Monsoon preparedness and emergency response plan,’ a first-of-its kind document for the State for handling emergencies during the two monsoons, has been sent to all District Collectors, heads of State government departments/agencies and Central agencies, including defence forces stationed in the State.
- Initial warning at least 36 hours before releasing water from dams
- 24-hour gap between the sounding of first and third alert
- No discharge of water from dams between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- To be implemented by the Irrigation Department, Kerala State Electricity Board, and the Kerala Water Authority
Best practices
Outlining best practices, the handbook explains the roles of the State Emergency Operations Centre, the district-level disaster management authorities and various government departments in monsoon-season disaster mitigation, KSDMA member secretary Sekhar L. Kuriakose said.
The guidelines require the Irrigation Department, Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) and the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to try and issue the initial warning at least 36 hours before releasing water from dams under their jurisdiction.
They are also to make sure that a gap of 24 hours exists between the sounding of the first and third alerts.
Under no circumstances should water be discharged anew from dams between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., stipulate the guidelines.
Dam inspection
The Kerala Dam Safety Authority should inspect all dams ahead of the monsoons and submit reports to the government.
The PWD should conduct structural audits of all bridges ahead of the monsoons. Recommendations on traffic regulations on weak bridges should be submitted to district-level disaster management authorities.
The Fisheries Department has been asked to ensure the availability of speed boats to enable quick search and rescue at sea.
The Local Self-Government Department should ensure the removal of trees, hoardings and old utility posts that pose a threat during heavy rains and winds.
The Health Department should take steps to prevent epidemics and stock medicines in all hospitals. Similarly, the Animal Husbandry Department should prevent the emergence of zoonotic diseases during the monsoon months.
The Revenue Department has been asked to appoint an officer not below the rank of deputy tahsildar at its State-level control room. Among other things, the department should also identify buildings that can be used as shelters in an emergency.
