Heavy rain alert over coastal region

Mangaluru: With the India Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall over the next few days on Malabar and Konkan coasts, the Dakshina Kannada district administration has stepped up its disaster preparedness, directing officials across all taluks to remain on alert and ensure swift response to any rain-related emergencies.

Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V., who chaired an online review meeting with senior officials on Saturday, instructed all taluk administrations to function on a round-the-clock basis, with control rooms operating continuously to assist the public.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of landslides and soil erosion incidents reported across the district, the Deputy Commissioner directed officials to keep a close watch on all identified vulnerable locations. Residents living in houses facing possible landslide threats should be evacuated as a precaution wherever the situation warrants, he said.

Officials were also asked to implement temporary mitigation measures by placing sandbags at erosion-prone sites. Such protective works may be undertaken even on private land wherever required to minimise damage and safeguard lives.

Darshan stressed the need for prompt relief measures, directing officials to ensure that compensation cheques are handed over within 24 hours to the families of victims of rain-related disasters. Relief camps and essential facilities should be kept ready for those displaced due to flooding or landslides, he added.

The Fire and Emergency Services Department, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been instructed to remain on standby for immediate deployment.

The Deputy Commissioner also asked officials to keep machinery and manpower ready to clear landslides or hill slips on vulnerable stretches of the Charmadi, Sampaje and Shiradi highway corridors to ensure uninterrupted movement of traffic.