South West Khasi Hills district has braced up to tackle the upcoming south-west monsoon this year to minimise the loss of life and property during this period.
A crucial review meeting was recently held to fortify disaster preparedness and ensure effective response mechanisms across all essential sectors wherein it was decided the immediate activation of the Incident Response System (IRS) across various administrative levels within the district, a formal request to the Border Security Force (BSF) to provide vital boat and vehicle support to bolster rescue operations during emergencies.
During the meeting it was agreed that an extensive Preparedness, Response, and Recovery Action Plan will be put in place that outlines responsibilities for crucial areas such as rapid damage assessment, swift infrastructure repair, ensuring public safety, maintaining essential supplies, providing healthcare support, ensuring educational continuity, addressing animal welfare, and others.
“All line departments and agencies have been directed to proactively and diligently implement the action plan to guarantee thorough monsoon preparedness,” Additional Deputy Commissioner and CEO DDMA, LT Tariang said.
He said all departments will collaboratively and proactively safeguard the well-being of the residents of the district throughout the upcoming monsoon season.
Taring also urged the public to remain vigilant, adhere strictly to all safety precaution measures issued by the authorities, and diligently follow the advisories disseminated from time to time to minimise risks and ensure their safety during the monsoon.
Last week, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued the first stage of its operational long-range forecast for the south-west monsoon this year, with early predictions showing a likelihood that Garo Hills, West Khasi Hills and South West Khasi Hills will experience greater than average rainfall with the rest of the state facing a drier than average monsoon.
It is pertinent to note that monsoon in the state often brings harsh weather conditions, including floods, landslides, drowning incidents and waterlogging in various parts.
