Cyclone Biparjoy: NDRF teams deployed, all measures being taken & situations constantly reviewed

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New Delhi ( nainilive.com )- In view of a very severe cyclonic storm, all possible measures are being taken by the state and central agencies to mitigate the impacts of the cyclone. All essential services with preparedness for their immediate restoration in the event of damages, are also being ensured. In the meantime, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Saurashtra and Kutch coasts of Gujarat and an orange alert for other coastal areas. However, IMD has also said that the extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Cyclone Biparjoy’ on Tuesday has weakened into a very severe cyclonic storm.

Earlier, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal chaired a high level meeting with the officials on Monday to review the preparedness for the upcoming Cyclone Biparjoy in Northern Arabian Sea, which is heading towards Gujarat Coast and is expected to make landfall on around 15th June. Sonowal directed the senior officers to take every possible measure to ensure that people living in vulnerable locations are safe.

Before that, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba met and reviewed the preparedness of the Government of Gujarat and central ministries and agencies to review preparedness for impending cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ in Arabian Sea. Just before the cabinet secretary held the review meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review the preparedness of ministries and agencies of the Centre as well as the state of Gujarat to deal with the situation arising out of the Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’, which has started showing its ferocity in some coastal areas.

PM Modi directed senior officers to take every possible measure to ensure that people living in vulnerable locations are safely evacuated by the State Government and to ensure maintenance of all essential services such as Power, Telecommunications, health, drinking water etc. and are restored immediately in the event of damages caused to them. PM Modi also directed to ensure the safety of animals and 24*7 functioning of control rooms. Earlier, giving information on the status of cyclonic storm Biparjoy on Monday, Director General of the Meteorological Department Mrityunjay Mohapatra said that a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 125-135 kmph is likely to hit the Saurashtra, Kutch, and Pakistan coasts by June 15. Due to this, there is a possibility of heavy rains in Saurashtra.

The Director General, India Meteorological Department (IMD), briefed the National Crisis Management Committee about the current status of the cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ over east central Arabian Sea. It is very likely to move nearly northward till 14th morning, then move north-northeast wards and cross Saurashtra & Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by noon of 15th June as a very severe cyclonic storm. The Chief Secretary of Gujarat apprised the Committee of the preparatory measures being taken to protect the population in the expected path of the cyclonic storm and measures being taken by the local administration.

Fishermen have been advised by the local authorities not to venture out into the sea and those at sea have been called back to safe berths. A total of 21,000 boats have been parked so far. List of all vulnerable villages have been prepared for evacuation purposes. Details of Saltpan workers have also been prepared for shifting them to safe places. Adequate shelters, power supply, medicine and emergency services are being kept in readiness. 10 teams of SDRF are being deployed.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed 12 teams and 3 additional teams are kept in readiness in Gujarat. In addition, 15 teams- 5 Teams each at Arrakonam (Tamil Nadu), Mundli (Odisha) and Bathinda (Punjab) are kept alert for airlifting on short notice. Rescue and relief teams of the Coast Guard, Army and Navy along with ships and aircrafts have been kept ready on standby.

Adequate number of teams and assets of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard are being deployed to assist the State of Gujarat in their preparedness, rescue and restoration efforts. Regular alerts and advisories are being sent to the maritime board and all stakeholders by DG, Shipping. Offshore Oil fields are also being monitored regularly and offshore installations in Gujarat have been asked to ensure immediate return of all deployed manpower. Major ports Kandla&Mundra have been alerted and other ports have also been advised for preventive action.