The State Water Transport Department (SWTD) has deployed a water ambulance and two night stay boats as a precautionary measure in Ernakulam, since coastal islands like Pizhala and Thanthonnithuruthu are facing the threat of inundation following the opening of the shutters of the Idukki reservoir.
Members of the public can call 9400050354 to avail the services of the water ambulance which has stocked medicines, oxygen cylinders, and surgical masks among others.
Meanwhile, a raft service relied on by the islanders to travel to the mainland was withdrawn on Thursday as a safety measure, as the water level is likely to rise.
The SWTD has also decided to use its ferries operated to Varappuzha and Mulavukad to shift the residents of Pizhala, Korangotta, and Thanthonnithuruthu to temporary shelters in the mainland. The department has also deployed a pair of boats at Pizhala and Korangotta to deal with eventualities at night. The water ambulance will conduct patrolling and will rush help to people if need arises, sources said.
The SWTD had a month ago deployed four rescue-cum-ambulance boats in the flood-hit Kuttanad region. They will be deployed at Ernakulam, Vaikom, Muhamma, and Kollam when the situation improves.