Local authorities in Ernakulam have called to open control rooms before the monsoon intensifies

Waves hit the shore at Fort Kochi beach on Wednesday. The India Meteorological Department has predicted the onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala on May 26. Photo credit: THULASI KAKKAT

As the southwest monsoon is expected to make landfall on May 26, all local governments in Ernakulam have been ordered to open 24-hour control rooms before the rains intensify. District Collector G. Priyanka issued the order while reviewing monsoon preparedness measures.

Official sources said that almost half of the local bodies in the district have already prepared concrete action plans as per the guidelines to deal with rain-related incidents. “Others are in the process of preparing a plan and have been instructed to complete the procedures without delay,” said a key district official.

Local authorities were instructed to take immediate steps to cut down and remove dangerous trees and to procure or hire the necessary equipment. Tree committees in local authorities have been asked to meet urgently to assess the situation.

The Collector directed the authorities to ensure that the buildings designated as relief camps have all basic facilities. If the existing facilities are found inadequate, proper proposals should be made by the local bodies to get funds from the disaster relief fund, the collector said.

The meeting also directed the local bodies to finalize rate agreements ahead of time to ensure supply of essential items in the relief camps.

Local authorities have been instructed to collect detailed information on vulnerable sections, including pregnant women, children and bedridden patients. Details of available ambulances, earth-moving machines and other equipment in each area, along with details of tree committee meetings and control room numbers, must be submitted to the district disaster management office and taluk offices by May 25.

The Collector, who also chaired the review meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority, suggested that an emergency meeting of panchayat presidents, village officers, taluk officers and panchayat secretaries from landslide-prone areas like Vengola, Ayyampuzha and Kuttampuzha be held on May 25.

Special training and awareness sessions will be conducted on accurately evaluating weather warnings, opening relief camps, moving people to safer places and responding effectively to emergencies.

Published – 20 May 2026 21:36 IST