Sarthak Kanjilal
Port Blair, Apr 23: The Member of Parliament of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray today demanded better disaster preparedness in Campbell Bay Islands.
Addressing a press conference the MP said demanded to construct a lookout post on safe zone (on higher ground) at Indira Point, Gandhi Nagar, Macca Chua, Afra Bay etc. areas of Campbell bay for the safety of people.
“Disaster Emergency Operating Centre of Campbell Bay is on low land and not safe. During earthquake on 11.04.2012, the entire EOC staff had left the Centre due to panic of inflow sea water as the EOC is located hardly one meter height from sea level,” the MP said.
The MP alleged that there was shut down of Power House at Campbell Bay for quite a long time after the earth quake and the Siren at Rajiv Nagar did not work.
He said that tsunami waves had hits Indira Point between 3.15 to 3.30PM on 11.04.2012.
“During this period the Sea waves hits at Indira Point Police lookout post and washed away the tent which was located above 20 ft. away from high tide land and sea water entered at least 500 mtr. inside the land,” he said.
There 5 IRBn Staff, 2 PRO, 9 Forest Staff, 1 Medical Staff total 15 persons were present and witnessed the receding and rolling back of sea water waves and tsunami.
These staff ran about 3 to 4 km crossing crocodile infested nallahs and reached higher ground and were later rescued by the Air Force Navy Helicopter from Indira Point Heli Pad.
“There was videography prepared through Mobile phones and converted into a CD and the same CD of the tsunami waves etc. were given to AC-C/Bay, Higher-up Police Officials at C/Bay and Port Blair,” he added.
The MP also demanded upgradation of PHC Campbell Bay into CHC; re-opening of Stone quarry at Campbell Bay; re-claiming of submerged house sites of settlers at Campbell Bay etc.
