Kochi Lifts Halt: Fire Rescue Faces Flood of Calls

Kochi is experiencing an unscheduled surge in power outages, prompting a dramatic increase in lift entrapment incidents. The fire and rescue services control room in Ernakulam has seen a substantial rise in distress calls from apartment complexes. What was once an infrequent occurrence, with one or two calls per month, has escalated to three to four daily.

These calls typically report lifts coming to a halt during power disruptions with occupants inside. While fire force officials redirect these calls to local stations for immediate response, residents' associations play a crucial role. In several instances, association workers have managed to operate generators and safely extricate residents before the fire department could arrive.

Leaders from residents' associations highlight the critical need for information regarding scheduled power outages. They believe that advance notice would empower residents to avoid using elevators during these periods. This awareness would also allow associations to prepare generators, mitigating panic and ensuring a smoother response during power interruptions.