Thiruvananthapuram: With torrential rains pounding the state and creating severe hardship, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has issued high-level directives to intensify emergency precautions and relief operations across Kerala. Warning District Collectors and key departments to stay fully prepared for any crisis, the Chief Minister announced the disaster management orders following a crucial review meeting with ministers and top officials. Special instructions were issued to Collectors in hill districts like Idukki, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam to maintain extreme vigilance.
To ensure seamless coordination of relief efforts, designated ministers have been instructed to personally camp in affected districts and lead operations on the ground. Minister C. P. John will oversee operations in Thiruvananthapuram, P. C. Vishnunath in Pathanamthitta, Mons Joseph in Kottayam, and Anoop Jacob in Idukki, while the Revenue Minister will handle state-level coordination for voluntary disaster relief activities.
The Chief Minister also personally telephoned MLAs from severely hit areas to assess the situation firsthand. Addressing the ongoing incident at Muthalapozhi in Thiruvananthapuram, where two people went missing, he confirmed that a Coast Guard vessel is conducting deep-sea search operations alongside a Marine Enforcement team camping at the site.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department has warned that extremely heavy rainfall will continue across the state over the coming days. A Red Alert indicating extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 204.4 mm in 24 hours has been sounded for nine districts, including Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod.
An Orange Alert remains active in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, and Palakkad, while Yellow Alerts have also been predicted for several districts in the following days. Authorities have urged residents living in areas vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, and waterlogging to remain on high alert and strictly follow official safety guidelines.
