New Delhi: In response to the approaching cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, Dr. T.V. Somanathan, Cabinet Secretary, chaired a high-level meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) today to assess the nation’s preparedness. The meeting was held in coordination with senior officials from various central agencies and state governments, focusing on minimizing loss of life and property in the face of the impending severe cyclonic storm.
The Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided an update on the current status of the low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal. The system is expected to intensify into a depression by the morning of October 22 and further develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23, 2024. IMD forecasts suggest that the cyclone will move northwestward, reaching the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24, and is likely to cross between Puri and Sagar Island as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph, by the night of October 24 or early morning of October 25.
The Chief Secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal informed the Committee of the robust preparedness measures underway in both states. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea, and those already at sea are being brought back to safety. Control rooms have been activated, and officials are closely monitoring the situation. Vulnerable populations have been identified, and evacuation plans are in place. Adequate shelters, emergency medical supplies, and power restoration teams are ready for deployment.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has prepared 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha, standing by for immediate deployment. Additionally, the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are on alert with rescue teams, ships, and aircraft ready for action. Alerts and advisories have been sent to major ports, including Paradip and Haldia. Emergency teams from the Ministry of Power and the Department of Telecommunications have been deployed for rapid restoration of services in the aftermath of the storm.
In his review, the Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of proactive and precautionary measures to ensure zero loss of life. He urged both state governments and central agencies to expedite the restoration of essential services in the event of damage and to ensure that people in vulnerable areas are evacuated well before the cyclone makes landfall. Dr. Somanathan also stressed the need for proper coordination in releasing water from dams to prevent flooding in affected areas.
He assured the governments of Odisha and West Bengal of full support from central agencies and urged the states of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand to also prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding.
The meeting was attended by key officials, including the Union Home Secretary, Secretaries from various ministries, and representatives from the defence forces, disaster management authorities, and meteorological departments. All agencies remain on high alert to respond swiftly to any emergencies that may arise from Cyclone Dana.