GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 21st Oct. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T.V. Somanathan, convened today to assess the preparedness for a potential cyclone developing over the Bay of Bengal. The meeting aimed to coordinate efforts between central agencies and the state governments of Odisha and West Bengal as the cyclonic system is expected to intensify in the coming days.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided a detailed briefing on the current situation, indicating that the well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal is likely to evolve into a depression by October 22, followed by a cyclonic storm by October 23. The storm is predicted to move northwest, potentially making landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, between Puri and Sagar Island, as a severe cyclonic storm on the night of October 24 or early morning October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
State-Level Preparedness
The Chief Secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal informed the NCMC about the precautionary measures being taken, including the advisories issued to fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea. Fishermen already at sea have been directed to return to safe harbors. Control rooms have been activated, and shelters, emergency services, and essential supplies are being readied. Evacuation plans are in place for people living in vulnerable coastal areas.
Deployment of Emergency Teams
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha, prepared for immediate deployment. Additionally, the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have stationed rescue and relief teams, alongside ships and aircraft, to aid in operations. Central ministries, including the Ministries of Power and Telecommunications, have deployed emergency teams for the rapid restoration of essential services post-cyclone.
Central Coordination and Instructions
Dr. Somanathan emphasized the importance of minimizing the loss of life and property, urging state governments to ensure timely evacuation of people from high-risk areas. He stressed that fishermen should be recalled from the sea without delay and that all safety measures should be in place ahead of the cyclone’s landfall. He assured the state administrations of the full support of central agencies, which remain on high alert.
The Cabinet Secretary also advised the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand to be prepared for potential heavy rainfall and its effects. He underscored the need for careful water management from dam sites in affected regions to prevent flooding.
Participants and Agencies Involved
The meeting saw the participation of senior officials, including the Union Home Secretary, representatives from the Ministries of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Fisheries, Power, Ports, Shipping & Waterways, and Defence. Officials from Andhra Pradesh, along with the Director Generals of the IMD, NDRF, and Indian Coast Guard, also joined the discussions to ensure a unified approach to tackle the cyclone threat.
With the cyclonic storm approaching, the central and state agencies are on high alert, working to ensure preparedness and minimize the impact on the coastal regions of eastern India.
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