Cabinet Secretary, Dr. T. V. Somanathan today chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee to review preparedness for the impending cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. During the meeting, it was informed that adequate shelters and evacuation arrangements have been made, and necessary NDRF and SDRF teams have been kept on standby. District Control Rooms have also been activated and they are monitoring the situation. 

 

On the occasion, Dr Somanathan said that essential services should be restored in the shortest possible time in the event of any damage. He also stressed that the objective should be to ensure zero loss of life and minimise damage to property and infrastructure. He also directed Ministry of Home Affairs and India Meteorological Department (IMD) to alert Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar incase of heavy rainfall in the area.

 

Director General, IMD, Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra briefed the Committee that the deep depression over East central and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal has moved nearly Westwards and intensified into cyclonic storm ARNAB. It is likely to affect districts in Telangana, Southern Odisha, South and Central Chhattisgarh apart from Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

 

The Chief Secretaries and senior officials of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, Chhattisgarh and  Puducherry apprised the Committee of the preparatory measures being undertaken by the State Governments and local administration. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Southwest and adjoining central Bay of Bengal, and along and off the coasts of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Yanam (Puducherry) till Thursday.