NEW DELHI: India’s National Crisis Management Committee is taking sweeping measures to protect the metropolis of Kolkata and adjoining districts in West Bengal state from a severe cyclonic storm on the night of May 26 and the morning of May 27.
India’s National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 12 teams for disaster prevention, and five additional teams have been kept on standby.
Additionally, rescue and relief teams of India’s Army, Navy and Coast Guard along with ships and aircraft have been kept in readiness. Emergency teams have been deployed by the Ministry of Power for immediate power restoration if there are blackouts.
These measures were initiated after India’s National Crisis Management Committee met under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba to review preparedness for Cyclone Remal, which is gathering in the Bay of Bengal.
Cyclone Remal is rapidly moving towards West Bengal and is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island and Khepupara after midnight on May 26.
‘The
severe cyclonic storm will have a wind speed of 110 to 120 kmph gusting to 130 kmph while making windfall,’ according to India’s Cabinet Secretariat.
The Cabinet Secretary said fishermen have been advised not to venture out into the sea. ‘Fishermen already out in the high seas have been called back and people from vulnerable areas are being evacuated.’
Source: Emirates News Agency