To combat the eventualities that may arise from the rising water level in the event of opening the shutters of Idukki dam, the Ernakulam division of the Fire and Rescue Services Department has come up with a crisis response and management plan.
As part of it, the department will deploy 360 personnel with equipment across Ernakulam and Idukki districts. Of this, as many as 120 personnel will be stationed at various locations across Idukki while the remaining will be camping in Ernakulam.
Besides the personnel, 17 scuba vans, 10 ambulances, 15 rubber dinghies, 18 inflatable tower lights, 50 chainsaws, lifebuoys, life jackets, ropes and jackets have been arranged. Further, emergency control rooms have been opened in Aluva (9497920129) and Idukki (9497920163).
In addition to this, 50 scuba teams have also been readied to be part of the disaster management operations.
Kothamangalam, Perumbavoor, Aluva, Angamaly, and North Paravur taluks — the regions lying on either sides of the Periyar or its tributaries — have been identified as vulnerable areas and divided into 14 sectors. Station house officers from different fire stations under the division have been given the charge of each sector.
Idukki, Cheruthoni, Thadiyampadu, Vimalagiri, Keerithodu, Karimban Padu and Panamkutty villages, which have been identified as the most vulnerable, have been divided into eight sectors, each under a station officer.
“If emergency arises requisitioning more manpower, services of officials from Kottayam, Alappuzha and Ernakulam districts will be utilised. We have ensured that all equipment are operational while the personnel have been directed to be on duty by cancelling their leaves and day offs,” said R. Prasad, Director (technical), Fire and Rescue Services Department.
When the red alert is issued, fire force will start evacuation procedures as per the direction of district administrations.
