Chief Minister prioritises Pathanamthitta for recovery, announces permanent disaster management measures as heavy rain and landslide warnings continue…reports Asian Lite News Desk
Pathanamthitta: Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan on Tuesday announced a series of immediate measures to strengthen the state’s flood response, prioritising Pathanamthitta for recovery after widespread flooding and landslides.
During a visit to flood-affected areas and relief camps, the Chief Minister said desilting of rivers would begin immediately, with Pathanamthitta receiving first priority. He also announced plans to establish a permanent disaster management system in Kerala, with its first project to be launched in the district.
“The next flood will not be waited for,” Satheesan said, adding that the state would introduce an integrated multi-agency early warning system and deploy additional helicopters for emergency rescue operations.
Describing the recent weather as an episode of exceptionally intense rainfall, he said authorities had very little time to evacuate people before landslides struck forest regions. He added that ministers were dispatched to the affected districts as soon as the scale of the disaster became clear, while funds had already been sanctioned for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The Chief Minister’s visit came amid criticism over the timing of his arrival in Pathanamthitta following the disaster.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued heavy rainfall over the coming days. Orange Alerts have been issued for nine districts on Wednesday, while Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam remain under Orange Alert for Thursday.
Authorities have warned of possible flooding, landslides, rising river levels and waterlogging, urging residents in hilly and riverbank areas to stay alert, avoid unnecessary night travel and move to relief camps whenever advised.
