KHAMMAM: Vital information provided by the Meteorological Department on disasters such as floods, their timing, duration and magnitude should reach people well in advance to minimise the risk and vulnerability, according to Collector Sashibushan Kumar. Addressing a workshop on disaster management here on Thursday, Mr. Kumar said flood in the Godavari was more a regular feature for people living in the habitations along the river course. They were well acquainted with dos and don'ts during floods. They had a clear understanding of the way they should respond to the situation. All that they required was timely information.

The Collector said that voluntary organisations were expected to play a key role in reaching out the people in the vulnerable pockets with vital flood forecasts. He wanted them to team up by forging a network of their own in service of people facing the risk of floods in the district.

He said that the Godavari flood manual, which provided adequate information and guidance on rescue and relief operations, was being updated from time to time. Mr. Kumar also stressed the need for equitable distribution of relief among the affected people. Responding to a request for providing work under the NREGP to the flood affected at least for two months, the Collector said that the administration was ready to give work to the flood-hit people for any number of days.

V. Bhadraiah, a resident of Kollapadu, a flood-affected village, said that the administration had been providing adequate relief after every flood. But the agencies involved in distribution needed systematic approach.

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