Thiruvananthapuram: In view of the threat posed by Cyclone Burevi, the district administration has initiated precautionary measures at Ponmudi hills. On Thursday, the revenue officials evacuated many families residing in the ‘layams’ in Ponmudi and shifted them to shelters arranged at safer locations. The cyclone is expected to reach the district on Friday afternoon.
According to the officials, around 450 individuals, including children, were dwelling in the layams here. As many as 181 people were shifted to the shelter facilities arranged at government schools at Vithura and Anappara. A total of 69 men, 66 women and 46 children were shifted. While the men were shifted to a government school at Vithura, the women and children were shifted to the school at Anappara. The remaining residents at the layams moved to safer places on their own.
The authorities have also ensured that those who were shifted are housed in such a way that social-distancing as part of Covid-19 protocol is maintained. The revenue officials have also ensured the supply of sufficient food in both shelters. Ample supply of diesel has also been provided to operate generators in case the cyclone disrupts the power supply here. Operators of two excavators and four tipper trucks have also been told to be ready for service if necessary.
“The excavators and tipper trucks were arranged as part of a contingency plan, in case the cyclone causes landslide,” said Rural SP B Ashok.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team members too visited Ponmudi and assessed the conditions. They will be returning to Ponmudi on Friday again.
The evacuation procedures were carried out by officials of the police and the fire and rescue services department, monitored by the tehsildar. Special KSRTC services were operated to transport the people to shelters.
Meanwhile, district collector Navjot Khosa visited the coastal hamlets at Muthalappozhi and Anchuthengu on Thursday to assess the conditions there.
“Though extreme rainfall was predicted on Thursday and red alert was issued, we have passed that period without any events. As per the latest reports, the speed of the cyclone has fallen. However, we are not letting our guard down and will maintain high vigil to face even the worst outcome,” said the collector.