Experts warn of monsoon catastrophes

Heavy pre-monsoon showers may prove a bane for Central Kerala

Monsoon calamities like landslips may occur along the hilly parts of the Kozhikode-Wayanad border and flooding may hit Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur districts during the south-west monsoon, disaster management experts have warned. The alert forms part of the monsoon preparedness document prepared by the experts.

Tremors had hit the northern parts of the State during last year and the Kozhikode-Malappuram region recorded eight seismic activities during the period.

The tremors might have loosened up soil along the hilly parts of Kozhikode-Wayanad border. This may lead to landslips in the belt during July and August, they said. The heavy pre-monsoon showers the southern districts had received in April may become a bane for them. Landslips and debris flows can occur in the districts from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, during June-July. The low-lying areas of Alappuzha, Kottayam and Thrissur, especially Kuttanad and kole wetlands, are vulnerable to flooding during June and August, they cautioned.

Precautionary steps

Experts have recommended enforcing a temporary ban on quarry blasting if rain continues for two consecutive days in areas where blasting is carried out.

The ban should be in force till the areas have rain-free days.

Village officers should be entrusted with the task of implementing the ban considering the risk granite blasting poses to human life during rainy days, the document said.

The previous monsoon season was free of quarry accidents though it rained heavily during the time. The temporary ban enforced during the last rainy season had helped in averting quarry accidents, they said.

Experts have asked the district collectors to keep ready at least five portable emergency lamp sets and accessories with them and facilities for providing temporary accommodation for those hit by monsoon calamities. Boards warning against bathing in river ghats during the rainy season and highlighting the possibility of flash floods should be put up.

Travellers should be asked not to stop at hilly road sides where small streams and rivulets exist as there is the risk of landslips and flash floods at such spots. Warning boards discouraging people from entering beaches and dams on rainy days should also be erected, it suggested.