The Kerala Health Department on Wednesday echoed an alert in the wake of the cyclone Burevi, which is expected to hit the state on December 4, and said all precautionary steps were taken to meet any emergency situation.  The alert was issued to effectively combat various health issues caused by the cyclone and rains and the subsequent epidemic, Health Minister K K Shylaja said.

Both the Director of Health and Medical Education have been instructed to ensure adequate medical facilities and medicines in state hospitals. All precautionary measures should be taken in adherence with the COVID-19 guidelines, she noted. All hospitals were asked to make sure emergency medicines, including anti-snake venom and medical kits are available, she added

The health department's rapid response teams should be vigilant always especially in the affected districts. sufficient treatment should be provided in relief camps as well and the safety of the elderly should be given special focus there. All concerned persons should meet COVID protocols, the minister said adding that the service of 108 ambulances was ensured in all affected areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its latest bulletin, has said cyclone Burevi may make its landfall in Kerala on December 4 and issued a red alert and cyclone warning for south Tamil Nadu and south Kerala coasts. The IMD has predicted that Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Idukki and Ernakulam districts would receive heavy rains and wind from December 3 to 5.

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