CM at Luncheon as Kerala Battless Flooding; Government Showing Criminal Negligence, Says M V Govindan

Thiruvananthapuram: CPI(M) State Secretary M V Govindan has accused the UDF government of displaying criminal negligence and a lack of coordination even as people across Keralam continue to suffer from severe rain-related disasters.

Govindan alleged that despite the rain-related crisis posing a threat to people’s lives, Chief Minister V D Satheesan’s attention remained focused on attending a luncheon.

“At a critical time when even minor lapses could come at a heavy cost, the negligence and lack of coordination displayed by the government cannot be accepted under any circumstances,” Govindan said.

“This concerns people’s lives. While the Chief Minister was attending a luncheon in Ponnani, people in the neighbouring areas were living in fear for their lives. Reports are emerging of serious failures in issuing rain alerts and making disaster-management preparations,” he said.

Govindan said that Pathanamthitta and Idukki, the districts that received the highest rainfall, remained under an orange alert until Saturday morning. By the time a red alert was issued, several areas had already been flooded, he said, calling it evidence of administrative failure.

According to the guidelines of the State Disaster Management Authority, emergency measures must be initiated even when an orange alert is issued. However, no action was taken to move people to safer locations or evacuate those living in areas vulnerable to disasters, Govindan added.

He said the State Disaster Management Authority and the Meteorological Department had committed serious lapses and called for immediate measures to ensure public safety.

“The government must immediately shift people living in vulnerable areas to relief camps and ensure food and other basic facilities,” Govindan said.