The district administration has stepped up security and safety measures following the heavy rainfall alert in the State issued by the India Meteorological Department.
District Collector K. Mohammed Y. Safirulla on Friday denied rumours that a red alert had been declared in Ernakulam in view of heavy rain prediction. In a meeting attended by MLAs representing the district, Mr. Safirulla said only yellow alert had been declared in view of the possibility of heavy rains.
The Meteorological Department had withdrawn the red alert for the nearby districts. The district administration has opened 24x7 control rooms in all taluks. Senior officials have been given the responsibility of monitoring the situation. The officials of Revenue, Fire and Police departments have been put on alert to meet any emergency. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Tourists will not be permitted to visit beaches till the alert is withdrawn. Restrictions had also been imposed on tourists visiting the high ranges, he said.
V.D. Satheesan, MLA, said that expert opinion must be taken on the impact of the rising water levels in Peringalkuthu dam in Thrissur. P.T. Thomas, MLA, said Cheruthoni dam was likely to touch the full reservoir limit in view of the heavy rains at Vandiperiyar.
Roji M. John, MLA, said alert should be issued on the rising water levels in Chalakudy river. Anwar Sadath, MLA, said officials should not fail in implementing safety measures during an emergency.
V.P. Sajeendran, MLA, said the Ernakulam district administration should hold talks with Idukki administration on how to maintain the water levels in the dams in Idukki. V.K. Ibrahim Kunju, MLA, said the authorities should have given due attention to the concerns raised by the elected representatives on opening the dams before the floods.
S. Sarma, MLA, said steps were taken as per the directives issued by the Meteorological Department. K.J. Maxi, MLA, said there were no major concerns related to the dams in the State. Eldhose Kunnappilly, MLA, said officials should implement the decisions taken at the review meetings in times of an emergency. John Fernandez, MLA, said the coastal population should be moved to safer destinations in the wake of heavy rains.
MLAs belonging to the United Democratic Front protested when Mr. Fernandez alleged that the opposition was trying to gain political mileage by raising allegations about flood safety measures and preparedness.