Precautionary steps taken in view of cyclone alert

Round-the-clock control room opened at Collectorate

The district administration has taken all precautionary measures to deal with any eventuality in view of heavy rain and cyclone alert.

A meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chaired by Public Works Minister G. Sudhakaran here on Friday took stock of the situation.

A round-the-clock control room has been opened at the district Collectorate.

District Collector S. Suhas has directed Chengannur, Ambalappuzha, and Kuttanad tahasildars to identify buildings that can be used as relief camps, if situation arises. A yellow alert has been declared for Alappuzha district on October 7.

Meanwhile, the Irrigation Department has opened 21 shutters of the Thottappally spillway to ensure the smooth flow of water. Rest of the shutters will be opened soon, officials said. Steps have also been taken to widen the Thottapally estuary.

The people living on the banks of the Pampa river have been urged to remain vigilant. Fire and Rescue Services department has been asked to arrange boats to face any emergency situation in Chengannur taluk.

Officials said that a warning had been issued to fishermen not to venture into the sea.

District Police Chief S. Surendran, R. Rajesh, MLA, municipal chairman Thomas Joseph and others attended the meeting.