Kollam fully equipped for monsoon: Collector

District Collector and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) chairperson N. Devidas has said that Kollam is fully prepared to face any potential disasters or challenges during the upcoming monsoon season.

Speaking at a review meeting, the Collector stated that comprehensive precautionary measures have been completed. In anticipation of heavy rainfall, Incident Response Teams (IRTs) have been deployed at the district, taluk, and panchayat levels under the direct leadership of respective tahsildars.

As part of the anti-waterlogging preparations, intensive cleaning of drainage systems along national highways and other major roads is currently under way. The cleaning and rejuvenation of local waterbodies are also progressing rapidly. To ensure public safety, hazardous trees standing along roadsides will be cut down, and strict vigilance will be maintained to ensure that residents adhere to safety guidelines in landslip-prone areas. Furthermore, the structural safety of school buildings is being rigorously evaluated and ensured.

Sand accumulation

The administration has also decided to clear the sand accumulation at the Paravur estuary to ensure smooth water flow. In the health sector, rigorous epidemic prevention activities have already commenced. The Collector confirmed that all health-care centres in the district have been stocked with essential medicines, snakebite anti-venom, and anti-rabies vaccines to handle any medical emergencies.

To accommodate displaced families, a dedicated cyclone shelter will be set up in Thazhava, and all necessary amenities will be guaranteed at buildings designated as relief camps. Tourism destinations across the district will face strict entry regulations aligned with official weather warnings.

Local Self-Government institutions have been directed to immediately procure essential safety and rescue equipment as prescribed by the Fire and Rescue Services. Additionally, instructions have been issued to deploy geo-bags for coastal protection, recruit more lifeguards at public beaches, and ensure the uninterrupted availability of vehicles required for emergency disaster management operations.