Nilgiris gears up for orange alert, asks visitors to stay away for three days

NILGIRIS: The Nilgiris district administration has assured the public that all necessary arrangements are in place to tackle the orange alert issued to the western Ghat district, as heavy downpour is predicted for the next three days.

“Around 3,500 frontline staff, 200 volunteers, 25 fire fighting vehicles, 25,000 sandbags and medical teams from the public health department are ready to attend emergencies. Essential items and medicine are kept in adequate stock. Efforts have been taken to shift the stock from PDS shops located in flood-prone areas to safer places,” said district Collector M Aruna, speaking to the media.

Earlier, while chairing a review meeting with officials of various departments to discuss rain preparedness, Aruna directed authorities of 42 zonal committees to monitor 283 areas round the clock, which are identified as prone to seasonal rain.

“The concerned authorities should ensure 456 relief camps are ready to accommodate people in areas vulnerable to heavy rains. The highways department should remove weak tree branches along the roadsides and sandbags should be kept ready in places likely to be affected by mud slips. The fire and rescue personnel should inspect and keep their machinery in working condition,” she said in an advisory to officials.

Urging the health department to maintain adequate stock of medicines, in case of need for the public, the Collector also requested the co-operative department to have adequate stock of rice and other cooking essentials to be given to the public, for those who are sheltered in relief camps.

“In case of an emergency, the people could call toll-free number 1077 to share any information. As soon as they receive the information, the officials should rush to the spot and carry out rescue works,” Aruna said.

As a precursor of what to expect during the orange alert, several western districts including Coimbatore, the Nilgiris, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri districts received moderate showers since Friday morning.

IMD: Very heavy rain from May 18-20

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an ‘orange alert’ forecast, predicting very heavy rainfall of 6 cm-20 cm on May 18, 19 and 20 in the Nilgiris. The district administration has issued an advisory to tourists to avoid visiting the hill station from May 18-20.

“Those coming here should have all the required protection. If possible you can avoid travelling here during this period,” District Collector M Aruna told reporters after chairing a meeting with officials of the Revenue, Police and Fire and Rescue Services department on rain preparedness.

Nearly 3,500 disaster response personnel and required equipment including earthmovers were on standby. About 450 temporary shelters have also been kept ready and people have also been asked to stay indoors.