Cyclone in Bay of Bengal: Cabinet Secretary chairs NCMC meeting

Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan chaired a meeting of National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review preparedness for the impending cyclone in Bay of Bengal.

The cyclone is likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada on the night of October 28 as “severe cyclonic storm” with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph.

The Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry and Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha apprised the Committee of the preparatory measures being taken to protect the population in the expected path of cyclonic storm and precautionary measures being taken by the local administration. It was also brought to the notice of the Committee that adequate shelters and evacuation arrangements have been made and necessary NDRF and SDRF teams have been kept on standby. District Control Rooms have also been activated and are monitoring the situation, a government statement said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into Southwest, adjoining central Bay of Bengal, along & off Tamil Nadu; Andhra Pradesh and Yanam (of Puducherry), and along and off Odisha coast from October 26-29. Those out at sea have been advised to return to the coast immediately, the statement said. 

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has kept teams in readiness and will be mobilised by October 26. NDRF has kept additional teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard along with their ships and aircrafts have been kept in readiness. Indian Coast Guard has already shepherded over 900 ships to the jetty/ shores so far, and remaining have been alerted to return to the coast. Union Home Secretary said that the MHA, NDMA and IMD are continuously monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Ministries / Departments/ State Governments and agencies.

Reviewing the preparedness measures of the Central Agencies and Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Cabinet Secretary stressed that the aim should be to keep loss of lives to zero and minimize damage to property and infrastructure. In case of damages, the essential services should be restored in the shortest possible time.