 |
|
A looming cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal has prompted the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to mobilize 25 teams, 14 in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha, to be deployed in anticipation of the storm's landfall. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island in Odisha on Thursday, October 24th, 2024. This information was revealed in a government statement released on Monday, October 21st, 2024.
The National Crisis Management Committee convened a meeting on Monday to assess preparedness for the impending cyclone. Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan was informed that additional rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, are ready to be deployed. Representatives from Odisha and West Bengal, the states expected to be directly impacted by the cyclone, participated in the meeting.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided the committee with an update on the current status of the deep pressure area in the Bay of Bengal. The IMD anticipates this area to evolve into a cyclonic storm by October 23rd, 2024, over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The storm is predicted to move northwestwards, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coast by the morning of October 24th, 2024.
The IMD's forecast indicates that the cyclone will continue its northwestward movement and make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24th and early morning of October 25th, 2024, as a severe cyclonic storm. Wind speeds are anticipated to reach 100-110 kilometers per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 120 kilometers per hour. The government statement emphasizes that the ports of Paradip and Haldia are receiving regular alerts and advisories regarding the developing situation.
To ensure swift restoration of essential services in the event of disruptions, emergency teams from the Union ministries of Power and Telecommunication have been deployed. The situation is being closely monitored. During the meeting, Cabinet Secretary Somanathan emphasized the importance of proactive measures to minimize loss of life and property damage. He instructed Odisha and West Bengal to prioritize the safety of their citizens by ensuring that fishermen at sea are called back and residents of vulnerable areas are evacuated in a timely manner.
Somanathan reassured the states that all central agencies are on high alert and ready to provide assistance. He stressed the goal of preventing fatalities and minimizing damage to property and infrastructure. He further instructed the states to prioritize the restoration of essential services as quickly as possible following any potential damage. Somanathan also advised neighboring states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand to be prepared for potential heavy rainfall and flooding. He emphasized the need to regulate water releases from dam sites in the affected region to avoid flooding.
Odisha and West Bengal presented their respective preparedness strategies to the committee. These measures include activating control rooms to monitor the situation, issuing advisories to fishermen to stay ashore or return to safe harbor, and preparing adequate shelters, power supplies, medical supplies, and emergency services. Both states have also identified residents of vulnerable areas for potential evacuation. The meeting was attended by the chief secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal, the Union home secretary, secretaries from the ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Department of Fisheries, Power, Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, along with senior officials from the states and the central government.
This article was automatically generated from a news agency feed without any text modifications.
Source: Bay of Bengal cyclone: 25 teams of NDRF on standby in Odisha, WB