The Ernakulam district administration is gearing up to evacuate more than 6,500 families to safer places in anticipation of a flood situation as in 2013, after the shutters of the Cheruthoni dam were raised to increase the discharge of excess water from the Idukki reservoir.
Chief Secretary Tom Jose and Additional Chief Secretary P.H. Kurian told the media in Thiruvananthapuram on Friday that the decision to raise water discharge was necessitated by the rising water level in the reservoir owing to heavy rain in the catchment areas.
“We are expecting a flood situation in the downstream areas of the Periyar up to Aluva. The prediction is based on the situation in 2013,” Mr. Jose said.
Idukki and Ernakulam districts have been put on high alert, and emergency response teams are on standby. With the authorities shutting down pumping stations in the Periyar, drinking water supply to most parts of Ernakulam is likely to be rationed.
Contingency plan for airport
Mr. Jose said the government had contacted the Civil Aviation Secretary and made arrangements for diversion of air traffic if the Nedumbassery airport had to be closed down in the event of floodwater entering the runway. “Contingency plans are in place. We have been assured that the Thiruvananthapuram airport will be equipped to receive flights diverted from Ernakulam. We do not expect any travel issues due to the flood situation,” he added.
Four additional teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are being airlifted to Ernakulam from Guntur in Andhra Pradesh and Arakkonam in Tamil Nadu to assist the civilian administration in evacuation and relief work.
There were 68 camps accommodating nearly 9,500 people from 2,795 families in the district at 5 p.m. on Friday.
As many as 2,751 families have already been shifted to 64 relief camps in Paravur, Aluva, Kunnathunadu and Kanayannur taluks. At 44, Paravur taluk accounted for the most number of relief camps.
“The number of camps may go up to 210, as more people may have to be evacuated owing to the rising water level in the Periyar,” said Mr. Kurian.
Meanwhile, a 37-member NDRF team has been deployed along the Aluva Manappuram to ensure the safety of those turning up to offer ‘bali’ on Saturday. This is in addition to arrangements made by the Fire and Rescue Services Department and the police. A team of 60 members under the Aluva station officer has been deployed along the Manappuram.
“We plan to conduct the ceremonies along the Aluva Manappuram road and have set the barricade and lighting system anticipating the rise in water level in the Periyar in the wake of increased water release from the Cheruthoni dam. Everything depends on the water level,” said D. Jayakumar, administrative officer, Aluva Siva Temple. The authorities have drawn up a crisis management plan that could kick into action with a notice of three hours after the Bali Mandapam on the Manappuram is completely submerged.
Security and safety measures have been beefed up in the Kalady Chelamattam Sree Krishna Temple as well for the Vavu Bali. A 14-member team, including two divers from the Coast Guard, has been deployed there complete with safety gadgets like life jackets and rescue boats.
