Port Blair, May 23: As per IMD forecast, A Low pressure area is very likely to form over north Andaman Sea and adjoining east central Bay of Bengal around 23rd May. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and will be named as ‘YAAS’, once it is fully formed. It is likely to move north west wards and reach near Odisha- West Bengal coasts around 26th May. Under its influence, squally winds with speeds up to 65 to 75 Kmph gusting to 85 kmph from 24th May onwards are expected over major parts of Andaman Sea and central Bay of Bengal.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in coordination with Fisheries authorities and local Police have initiated extensive pre-emptive and preventive measures in A& N to minimise the loss of life and property at sea. All ICG afloat, ashore and aviation units are placed on high alert and directed to maintain highest state of preparedness to meet any contingency.
The development of weather in Andaman sea and Bay of Bengal is being closely monitored and ICG Radar Operating Centre at Port Blair is incessantly relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio at regular intervals to alert both fishing and merchant fleet. Weather warnings through Navtex transmitting stations are being issued regularly to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Ships at anchorage have also been advised to take shelter and necessary safety measures by Port authorities. Weather advisories/ warnings are being issued through local print media and regular radio broadcasts through ‘ALL India Radio’ for safety of fishermen.
Indian Coast Guard Ships and aircraft at sea are also broadcasting weather warning to fishermen operating at sea about likely formation of cyclone and directing them to return to nearest harbour for safety. The Coast Guard Stations at various remote locations in A & N Region, in coordination with local fisheries authorities and village Pradhans are sensitizing the fishing community on persisting rough seas/inclement weather at sea and urging the fishermen to refrain from moving out to sea till improvement of weather. ICG response teams in close liaison with respective local fisheries rep and village headsare accounting for details of fishing boats in harbour.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, Life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. All actions and response measures are being undertaken maintaining COVID-19 protocol.
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