Belagavi DC to officials: Be prepared to tackle heavy rain

Belagavi: Deputy commissioner Mohammad Roshan has directed officials to remain on high alert and be fully prepared for any flood situation in riverbank villages following heavy rainfall over the past few days in neighbouring Maharashtra and parts of Belagavi district.Chairing a meeting of the District Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday, Roshan said increased rainfall in river basins could lead to low-level bridges being submerged. He instructed officials to restrict the movement of people and livestock across vulnerable bridges and seek police assistance wherever necessary.The DC directed officials to ensure boats are deployed promptly to evacuate residents from flood-prone areas if required.

He said State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Fire and Emergency Services teams must remain on constant alert, while tahsildars should maintain close coordination with rescue agencies.Roshan also instructed authorities to establish helpline centres at the district and taluk levels, repair damaged electricity infrastructure, and identify dilapidated houses in rural and urban areas. Residents of unsafe structures should be shifted to safer locations if rainfall intensifies, he said.

Reviewing preparedness measures, the DC assessed arrangements at 397 relief centres identified across the district and directed officials to ensure basic facilities are available. He also asked departments to ensure adequate fodder supply and conduct surveys of damaged houses.With rainfall increasing in Maharashtra’s ghat regions and water being released from reservoirs, Roshan directed officials to maintain constant communication with Maharashtra authorities and monitor reservoir discharge.Officials informed the meeting that 41 boats, 397 relief centres and 129 cattle shelters had been kept ready for emergency use. Health officials were also directed to step up disease-prevention measures and maintain adequate medicine stocks in vulnerable areas.