All departments in Coimbatore district have been instructed to remain on full alert and ensure preparedness ahead of the southwest monsoon, District Collector Pavankumar G. Giriyappanavar said at a review meeting held at the Coimbatore Collectorate on Monday.

Chairing a meeting with officials from various departments, the Collector directed officials to work in coordination and ensure swift response measures during the monsoon season. He said 24-hour control rooms should function at the Collectorate, Revenue Divisional Offices, and taluk offices, and all disaster-related information must be immediately communicated to the flood control room. Complaints and information received from the public through the toll-free helpline 1077 should be acted upon without delay, he said.

Officials were instructed to continuously monitor the water levels in the Bhavani, Siruvani and Aliyar rivers and reservoirs. Residents living in low-lying and flood-prone areas should be alerted in advance and shifted to safer locations if necessary, the Collector said.

He directed officials to ensure that schools, marriage halls and government buildings identified as relief shelters are equipped with drinking water, power supply, toilets, generators and emergency lighting facilities. Food and medical assistance should also be arranged for people accommodated at relief centres.

The Public Works Department was asked to remove blockages in rivers, canals and waterways to facilitate smooth flow of rainwater and monitor vulnerable embankments. Local bodies and the Rural Development Department were instructed to clean and maintain stormwater drains, sewage channels and public spaces to prevent water stagnation.

The School Education Department was directed to inspect damaged buildings, unsafe tree branches and electric lines in school campuses and conduct disaster awareness and safety training programmes for students.

Health Department officials were instructed to ensure adequate emergency treatment facilities, ambulances, generators, medicines and drinking water in government and private hospitals and intensify preventive measures against monsoon-related diseases.

The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board was asked to inspect electric poles, transformers and power distribution systems to prevent disruption in power supply during heavy rain.

Police, Fire and Rescue Services personnel were directed to keep rescue equipment, boats and emergency response teams ready. The Agriculture and Horticulture Departments were instructed to carry out immediate assessment of crop damage and facilitate relief assistance to farmers.

The Collector also directed all departments to update their emergency action plans and advised the public not to believe rumours during disaster situations.