Kozhikode: Kerala is introducing a new siren system designed to provide advances as well as detailed warnings for disasters. Part of the 'Kavacham' project under the State Disaster Management Authority, the sirens will use different sounds and colours to indicate the severity of various threats, such as sea attack, heavy rain, strong winds, and heat.
Out of the planned 126 sirens, 91 have already been installed. This initiative is part of the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project and aims to improve communication during extreme weather events. According to Dr. Sekhar L. Kuriakose, Head of Kerala State Emergency Operations Center, the system will allow for immediate alerts based on warnings from agencies like the Indian Meteorological Department.
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It is estimated that this system will greatly benefit areas of the state that are frequently affected by disasters such as floods and landslides.
Three colours, eight speakers
Each siren features three colours - red, yellow, and orange - in strobe light and is equipped with eight loudspeakers. These can broadcast warnings up to 1200 metres away and provide essential information about emergency camps and safety precautions. Special cameras have also been installed to monitor and ensure the proper operation of the sirens, said Dr Sekhar.
The sirens are mounted on top of government buildings and schools in disaster-prone areas, positioned 13 to 15 metres above the ground and connected by a five-metre long wire.
App-controlled system
The sirens are controlled via the 'Kavacham' app, which allows management from the Disaster Management Authority headquarters, district, and taluk centres. Sirens and these offices are connected via the internet.This app can also be used to send emergency messages directly to mobile phones. Currently, rain warnings are sent to the public's mobile phones via SMS through this app.
The State Emergency Operations Center oversees the coordination of the Kavacham system in Kerala.
More sirens in Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam
Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam have the highest number of sirens, with 13 each. In contrast, Kottayam, Idukki, and Wayanad districts have the fewest, with five sirens each. An operational test of 86 sirens was conducted on June 11.
System implementation this year
The warning system will be expanded to 126 locations with the replacement of sirens in BSNL towers. If the siren codes are received on schedule, the project is expected to begin by the end of this year, Dr Sekhar said.
Published: 07 Sept 2024, 09:24 am IST
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