Disaster zones identified in Kozhikode to speed up rescue operations

KOZHIKODE: The district disaster management authority has formed seven disaster management teams in the district to address flood and landslide related calamities. Deputy collectors are heading the teams for all the regions.
Vadakara taluk has been divided into two divisions and Thamarassery into three divisions, and one division each in Koyilandy and Kozhikode for carrying out rescue operations smoothly.
The National Disaster Response Force and the units of defence forces are carrying out rescue operations in Kozhikode district. A team of 78 NDRF personnel are carrying out rescue operation at two locations in the district.
One team comprising 48 members are working in Kuttiady region to shift people to safer locations and to relocate household goods. The removal of debris from roads and houses and other activities are also in progress in the area.
Another team of NDRF comprising 30 members is working at Thamarassery. A team of 60 personnel from the Indian Army are also located at Thamarassery- Puthuppadi regions to carry out rescue and rehabilitation activities. The thrust is given to clearing roads and shifting people and household goods to safer locations.
According to disaster management cell as many as 17 relief camps are functioning in the district on Friday. While eight camps are operating in Thamarassery, five are functioning in Vadakara and two each in Koyilandy and Kozhikode taluks.
In the meantime, Road to Kakkayam dam site caved in following landslide trapping many KSEB, forest and irrigation officials at the dam site. Fire and rescue officials, police and KSEB officials are continuing efforts to remove huge rocks from the road to reach to the stranded officials.
It is not possible to reinstate the road, we are trying to remove the rocks and bring the trapped persons to safety, said an official with fire and rescue.
In the meantime, flood water level has started decreasing Mukkom, Karassery areas. However, the residents in the region are still living in fear as further rain could cause flooding of the area again.