Port Blair, May 25: As per IMD report, the Cyclone ‘Yaas’ has now intensified into a Severe Cyclone over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and is moving northwestwards with a speed of about 10 Kmph. It is very likely to move north-northwards, intensify further into Very Severe Cyclonic Storm during next 12 hours.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG), with the first indication of the Cyclone as early as on 19 May 21, geared-up its response and preparations towards preventive and pre-emptive measures in Andaman and Nicobar Islands to minimise the loss of life and property at sea. ICG has formed a special team to monitor the preparations and coordinate with civil agencies to mitigate any threat posed by the Cyclonic storm. ICG ships and aircraft have been extensively deployed at sea, broadcasting and alerting the fishing boats and merchant vessels about the Cyclone warning. All ICG units including aviation assets have been maintaining high level of readiness to respond to emergent maritime SAR and disaster relief contingencies. ICG efforts towards preventive measures include 16 ship deployments and 09 aircraft sorties in A & N region since 19 May 21.
Coordinated efforts of ICG, fisheries and district administration has ensured return of all 68 fishing boats at sea to nearest fishing harbour/ place of safety. Close liaison and coordination is being maintained with fisheries and village Pradhans for accounting of fishing boats and sensitising 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. Regular radio broadcasts through ‘All India Radio’ are being aired for safety of fishermen and general public.
Further, ICG ‘Regional Operating Centre’ (ROC) 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 are being monitored by ICG ‘ROC’ and are advised to take necessary safety measures. Close liaison and continuous communication is being maintained by ICG ROC and MRCC with Port Control for safety of ships at anchor.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) have been formed by all CG stations in A & N for undertaking disaster response operations. These DRTs have been carrying out regular drills/ exercises at unit level as part of training and are adequately equipped with disaster relief gears/ equipment including inflatable boats, Life buoys and lifejackets. In addition, Pollution Response equipment/ gears have also been kept standby for quick mobilisation and response in case of any eventuality. All actions and response measures are being undertaken maintaining COVID-19 protocol.
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