Nagpur: As monsoon rains lashed the region before its usual date of arrival, the district administration launched full-scale preparedness efforts to minimise disaster risks. Disaster management officer Ankush Gawande confirmed that two high-level review meetings were held — first on May 7 and the second on May 23 — to streamline coordination across departments. All frontline departments were alerted and are fully prepared to respond to any emergency, he said.As part of the preparedness measures, 20 control rooms have been activated — six at the district level and one in each of the 14 talukas. Each control room is staffed by a minimum of three personnel. Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) are in place and ready for immediate implementation. A major joint mock drill involving all frontline departments was successfully conducted at Futala on May 8, demonstrating coordinated response readiness.In addition, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are conducting taluka-level mock drills to strengthen ground-level preparedness. These drills are crucial in ensuring that all response teams are in sync and trained to handle any situation.Gawande stressed that while monsoon-related disasters vary through the season, the immediate concern during this early phase is lightning strikes. “Lightning activity is typically intense during this period, and we urge individuals, especially those working in open fields, to take proper precautions,” he said. “Avoid seeking shelter under trees during storms and be aware of weather alerts.”The district is also actively running awareness campaigns to educate residents about lightning safety and other seasonal hazards. Gawande highlighted that most casualties occur when people are caught unaware in the fields during lightning strikes. So far, the district has reported four lightning-related deaths, with the most recent incident occurring last week.Looking ahead, flood risks become more prominent in August and September, once lakes, rivers, and nullahs begin to overflow due to sustained rainfall. “We are prepared for all phases of the monsoon,” Gawande added, “but individual responsibility is just as important. Precaution can save lives.”The administration’s message is clear: be prepared, stay informed, and follow safety protocols to stay safe this monsoon.
