T’puram: City corporation strengthened its disaster preparedness measures ahead of the monsoon by procuring emergency response equipment worth Rs 75 lakh to tackle floods, waterlogging and other natural calamities within the city limits. The newly acquired equipment has now been made operational, and a training programme for corporation employees on handling the machinery was conducted on Tuesday. The switch-on ceremony and inauguration of the training programme were carried out by corporation town planning standing committee chairman Radhakrishnan. The corporation purchased 25 units each of water pump sets, mud pump sets, mechanical wood cutters, generators and first-aid kits, along with 40 fire extinguishers. The equipment was procured through corporation’s disaster management cell to ensure faster response during heavy rain, flooding, tree falls and emergency situations expected during the Southwest Monsoon season. In the first phase, around 100 employees from various health circles under the corporation were given technical training on operating the equipment. Four staff members from each health circle participated in the programme. Speaking at the event, Radhakrishnan said the corporation was taking proactive measures to minimize monsoon-related hardships faced by residents. “The corporation has enhanced its disaster response system by ensuring modern equipment and trained personnel are available in every zone before the onset of heavy rains,” he said. The civic body has intensified monsoon preparedness activities across the capital city, including drain cleaning, emergency control room arrangements and flood mitigation measures in low-lying areas. The tree branches which are prone to danger for pedestrians and motorists are being cut down before the monsoon.
