Cyclone Vayu in Gujarat and Maharashtra: Precautions and safety measures to follow

Weather officials have said Cyclone Vayu, with wind speeds equivalent to those of a Category 1 hurricane, is set to cross the coast with sustained wind speeds of 145 kph to 155 kph (90 mph to 96 mph) and could gust as high as 170 kph (106 mph). 

The Indian government has assured that it had begun moving about 300,000 people from the most vulnerable areas into shelters. "We have started evacuation in coastal districts today morning," a Gujarat disaster management official said on Wednesday elaborating preparations for Cyclone Vayu.

The authorities have also cautioned the fishermen against proceeding to sea and have advised the fishing vessels to return to the harbour due to Cyclone Vayu. 

Indian Navy Diving, Rescue Teams along with P8I and IL aircraft have been kept standby to render assistance and carry out rescue operations. 

While the Indian government has assured that all preparations are in place to deal with any emergencies arising of the cyclone Vayu's impact, it is always good to take necessary precautions.

Precautions

#CycloneVayu to hit #Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Diu and Veraval on 13th Jun early morning as a very severe cyclonic storm with wund speed around 150 kmph gusting upto 170 kmph. pic.twitter.com/cqp0guzuBl

— NDMA India (@ndmaindia) June 12, 2019

Indian government's National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) recommends these tips to be followed before the cyclone Vayu:

• Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows
• Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds
• Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
• Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery operated torches and enough dry cells
• Demolish condemned buildings
• Keep some extra batteries for transistors
• Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency