How is India gearing up preparations to ensure safety during cyclone Fani?

IMD has warned about the risk of Cyclone 'Fani' taking shape of an 'extremely severe cyclone' by Thursday and Indian authorities have quickly stepped into action by putting the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Indian Coast Guard have been put on high alert and are coordinating with the state governments. Regular warnings have been issued since April 25 to fishermen not to venture into the sea and asking those at sea to return to the coast.

Union Cabinet Secretary P K Sinha also chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Monday to take stock of the situation.

The cyclonic storm 'Fani' Monday morning was located at 880 km of South-East of Chennai and it will continue to move North-West and change its path to North-East from Wednesday.

Also Read: Cyclone Fani in Tamil Nadu, Andhra: Precautions and safety measures to follow

The central and state governments in India have often been at odds at various instances in past over delay in the release of State Disaster Response Fund but this time the central government has assured the states to release the first instalment of the State Disaster Response Fund in advance as per their request, it said. The central government is keeping a close watch on the impact of the cyclonic storm on the states along the eastern coast.

India's home ministry has also released a statement in this regard and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is reported to be closely monitoring the situation as well. Modi said he had spoken to officials and asked them to take preventive measure and provide assistance.

India's disaster management authority has also been releasing precautions and safety measures for citizens.

#CycloneFani pic.twitter.com/euDncKB0Qj

— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) April 29, 2019