Alappuzha on alert after ship containers wash ashore
Coastal areas in Alappuzha are on alert after containers from the capsized ship MSC ELSA 3 started washing ashore.
On Monday, two containers washed up at Tharayilkadavu near Arattupuzha.
Agriculture Minister P. Prasad, District Collector Alex Varghese and other officials visited the area and reviewed the situation. Mr. Prasad said the materials in the two containers had been identified as cotton. 'The inspection by Customs officials has confirmed the containers contain non-hazardous materials. Steps have been taken to remove the containers and their contents quickly. Machinery and vehicles required for the removal are being brought in. There is no cause for concern. The containers will be shifted to the Kollam yard,' Mr. Prasad said.
The State government has issued a high alert as some of the containers on the ship reportedly contain hazardous cargo. The Minister said the alert was issued to ensure that the public does not come into contact with any dangerous materials. 'There are no hazardous materials in the containers that have washed ashore so far. But we should remain vigilant, as more containers are floating in the sea and could wash ashore,' Mr. Prasad said.
The Pollution Control Board has initiated measures to handle any oil spills from the ship that might reach the coast. 'Due to concerns about an oil spill in the sea, an emergency meeting was convened on Sunday. An advisory has been issued to coastal grama panchayats in the district. Officials from the Revenue, Fisheries, and Local-Self Government departments will jointly oversee the response. Public announcements using loudspeakers are also being made to alert coastal residents,' the Minister said.
Mr. Prasad said that steps had been taken to prevent the oil slick from spreading to other waterbodies through estuaries. 'Water samples have been collected and the Pollution Control Board is conducting tests,' he added.
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