The Hindu Business Line : Kerala Govt chalks out action plan to check rain havoc

EVEN as the south-west monsoon continued to batter the northern districts, the State Government raised its guard against calamities and the possible breakout of infectious diseases.

The Revenue Minister, Mr K.M. Mani, has announced that an ex-gratia of Rs 50,000 would be paid to the next of kin of each of those reported dead in monsoon-related incidents in the last three weeks in the State. The toll was put at 25.

Four persons each had died in Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Kasaragod districts while three deaths each were reported from Malappuram and Ernakulam. Kozhikode accounted for six and Palakkad reported one death.

Forty-two persons received injuries and 343 houses sustained heavy damages. Landslips were reported from eight places.

The Revenue Minister said the Administration was geared to meet any emergency arising out of the heavy rain. The police, irrigation, public works, power, fire force, health, revenue and transport departments have been asked to coordinate activities for the purpose. People residing in vulnerable areas have been moved to safer places.

DMOs on alert: Meanwhile, the Government has directed District Medical Officers (DMO) to set up infectious disease cells in all districts, taking serious view of the evolving situation.

The cell set up at the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) here has commenced operations and has been equipped to keep a 24-hour vigil. According to the Health Minister, Mr Kadavoor Sivadasan, Superintendents of Government hospitals have been asked to stock up emergency medicines.

They have been authorised to purchase medicines worth Rs 5,000 if the situation warranted it. All districts would be provided with new ambulances equipped with oxygen unit, trip stand and other facilities.

The DMOs have also been asked to forward a daily report on outbreak, if any, of epidemics and preventive steps taken. The report should also specify the number of relief and medical camps functioning in the district as also the number of hands available.

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