NCMC Reviews Preparedness for Impending Cyclone in Bay of Bengal

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of preventive measures to ensure zero loss of lives and minimal damage to property and infrastructure.

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba, convened today to assess preparedness for the imminent cyclone in the Bay of Bengal.

The Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed the Committee about the current status of the depression over the central Bay of Bengal, located approximately 800 km south-southwest of Khepupara (Bangladesh) and 810 km south of Canning (West Bengal). The depression is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the night of 25th May, moving northeastwards and likely crossing the Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal coasts between Sagar Island and Khepupara around midnight on 26th May, with wind speeds of 110-120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph.

The Chief Secretary of West Bengal outlined the state's preparedness measures, including advisories for fishermen to avoid the sea, activation of district control rooms, and readiness of shelters, power supply, medical, and emergency services.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams, with 5 additional teams on standby. Rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, are on alert. Alerts and advisories are being issued by DG Shipping to Kolkata and Paradip ports. Emergency teams from the Ministry of Power are on standby for power restoration.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of preventive measures to ensure zero loss of lives and minimal damage to property and infrastructure. He stressed the need for timely evacuation of people from vulnerable areas and the return of fishermen at sea. He assured that all Central agencies are on full alert and ready to assist the Government of West Bengal.

The meeting was attended by senior officials from various ministries and agencies, including the Union Home Secretary, secretaries from the Ministries of Power, Telecom, Ports Shipping & Waterways, Petroleum & Natural Gas, and the Department of Fisheries, as well as the Member Secretary of the National Disaster Management Authority, the Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), and the Director Generals of IMD, NDRF, and Coast Guard.