Shillong, Apr 28: As the monsoon season sets in, the District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) of East Jaintia Hills has issued a public advisory listing safety measures for heavy rainfall, lightning, thunderstorms, hailstorms and possible landslides in vulnerable areas.
All district officers have been directed to remain alert and prepared for any emergency, with field officials told to keep necessary equipment and manpower ready, the Deputy Commissioner and DDMA Chairman informed.
The public has been urged to stay updated with official weather advisories and follow safety guidelines. During thunder and lightning, residents should seek shelter indoors in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle with windows closed and avoid sheds, isolated trees, tents, hilltops and open fields.
People should stay away from wired electronics and telephones unless cordless or mobile, unplug electronic devices, and avoid electric poles, fallen power lines and damaged wires. Such cases should be reported immediately to the authorities concerned.
Citizens have also been cautioned to stay away from water bodies and avoid swimming. If caught outdoors without shelter, individuals should crouch low with feet together and hands over ears, and not lie flat on the ground. One should avoid open spaces where one may become the tallest object.
The advisory further said windows and doors should be kept closed, and people should not lean on concrete walls or floors. Use of corded phones is to be avoided, and contact with metal objects such as umbrellas and bicycles should be refrained from. Raincoats are suggested instead.
For any emergency, the public may contact the District Emergency Operation Centre (DEOC), DDMA, Khliehriat at 1077 or 96129-86832, Police Control Room at 112 or 100, Fire & Emergency Services at 101, and Health and Emergency Services at 108.
Other helplines include Additional Deputy Commissioner & CEO, DDMA at 70051-70039, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Relief Branch) at 81199-70336, District Disaster Management Officer at 87948-09841, BDO Wapung C&RD Block at 70058-77634, BDO Saipung C&RD Block at 96121-06744, and BDO Lumshnong C&RD Block at 96152-81169.
