NDRF team to be deployed by May-end

The first batch of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will reach Kodagu in the last week of May and will be deployed at sensitive locations by the end of the month.

This was stated by officials of the Kodagu district administration at a review meeting to assess preparations to deal with any exigencies during the monsoon slated to commence from June.

They said the District Disaster Management Authority has also been constituted while District Disaster Management Plan was also in the final stages of preparations.

In all, 12 district level committees have been constituted for better coordination and organisation of rescue and relief mission in the event of any natural calamity. This includes an early warning and evacuation committee, search and rescue committee, shelter management, first aid, mass casualty management and health relief management, food committee, communications, reconstruction and rehabilitation among others.

The officials said that a 24x7 control room at the DC’s office, Taluk Office and CMC offices have been established ahead of the onset of the southwest monsoon and dedicated WhatsApp numbers will be made available to report any incidents.

Network upgrade

The authorities have also identified communication shadow regions where networks tend to be weak and hence the existing Very High Frequency communication network was in the process of being upgraded. Safe shelters have been identified in vulnerable villages and instructions have been issued to the Forest Department to prune trees and cut dead trees as per protocol. The authorities have also conducted exercises on responses in case of any eventuality in rural areas.