A comprehensive guide to help you and your family stay safe during natural disasters in Kerala
Introduction
Kerala, with its beautiful backwaters, lush greenery, and coastal location, is prone to various natural disasters, especially during the monsoon season. From devastating floods and cyclones to seasonal disease outbreaks, disaster preparedness is critical for minimizing risks and ensuring safety. This guide provides detailed strategies and tips to prepare for and respond to floods, cyclones, and related health hazards in Kerala.
Understanding the Risks in Kerala
Kerala’s geographical and climatic conditions make it vulnerable to the following types of disasters:
- Floods: Frequent during the southwest monsoon (June to September), affecting low-lying areas and riverbanks.
- Cyclones: Though less frequent, cyclonic disturbances in the Arabian Sea can lead to heavy rains and wind damage.
- Landslides: Common in hilly areas of Idukki, Wayanad, and Pathanamthitta during intense rainfall.
- Health Epidemics: Waterborne diseases, dengue, leptospirosis, and viral fevers spike post-monsoon.
General Disaster Preparedness Tips
- Stay updated with weather alerts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).
- Create an emergency plan for your household, including evacuation routes and communication plans.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essentials like water, food, flashlight, radio, medicines, and identity documents.
- Keep important phone numbers—local police, fire station, hospital, and disaster helpline—handy.
- Ensure elderly, disabled, and children in your household are aware of emergency actions.
Flood Preparedness Tips
Before a Flood
- Know if your home is in a flood-prone area by checking with your local panchayat or municipality.
- Store valuables and important documents in waterproof containers or high places.
- Elevate electrical appliances above possible water levels.
- Clear drains, gutters, and nearby water channels to prevent waterlogging.
- Download the “Monsoon Alert” mobile app by KSDMA for localized alerts.
During a Flood
- Evacuate immediately if instructed by local authorities.
- Avoid walking or driving through flooded streets—just 6 inches of moving water can knock you down.
- Switch off electrical supply if water enters your premises.
- Move to higher ground or community relief shelters established by the district authorities.
- Listen to All India Radio or local FM stations for updates.
After a Flood
- Do not return home until authorities declare it safe.
- Boil water for drinking to prevent waterborne diseases.
- Check for structural damage and gas leaks before switching on electricity or using appliances.
- Dispose of spoiled food and disinfect your home using bleaching powder.
- Wear gloves and boots while cleaning debris to avoid injury or infection.
Cyclone Preparedness Tips
Before a Cyclone
- Secure your home—fix loose tiles, windows, and doors.
- Trim trees around the house to reduce falling hazards.
- Stock up on dry food, candles, batteries, and drinking water.
- Identify the nearest cyclone shelter or safe house in your locality.
- Stay tuned to IMD’s cyclone bulletins and follow alerts on KSDMA.
During a Cyclone
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Turn off the main power supply if flooding is expected.
- Keep your emergency kit close and accessible.
- Help neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
- Avoid using mobile phones unnecessarily to keep lines free for emergencies.
After a Cyclone
- Wait for official updates before leaving your shelter.
- Stay away from damaged power lines and water-logged roads.
- Report hazards to the authorities using helpline numbers.
- Do not consume exposed food or contaminated water.
Health Safety Tips During Disasters
- Drink only purified or boiled water.
- Use ORS to prevent dehydration if affected by diarrhea or vomiting.
- Prevent mosquito breeding—empty stagnant water in containers, flower pots, and coolers.
- Use mosquito repellents and sleep under nets, especially in flood-hit zones.
- Seek medical help if symptoms like fever, rashes, or fatigue appear post-disaster.
- Wear masks in crowded shelters to prevent respiratory infections.
Useful Emergency Contacts in Kerala
- KSDMA Control Room: 1070 (Toll-Free)
- Disaster Management Cell: 0471-2331639
- District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA): Contact your local Collectorate
- Fire and Rescue: 101
- Ambulance: 108
- Police: 100
- Flood Control Room (Irrigation Dept.): 0471-2321661
Community Participation and Volunteering
Community-led preparedness and volunteer networks can significantly reduce disaster impacts. Citizens can:
- Join local disaster response teams trained by KSDMA
- Participate in school and neighborhood mock drills
- Help identify vulnerable families and individuals
- Disseminate early warning messages within local WhatsApp groups
- Organize local awareness programs during pre-monsoon months
Conclusion
Preparedness is the first and most powerful defense against natural disasters. With Kerala experiencing increasingly unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, every household must take disaster preparedness seriously. Whether it’s floods, cyclones, or post-disaster health challenges, being informed, prepared, and alert can save lives and reduce property damage.
Use this guide to protect your family, support your community, and ensure you are resilient against any disaster that may arise.
