National Crisis Management Committee Reviews Preparedness for Cyclone 'Michaung'

In a crucial meeting on Sunday, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, convened to assess the readiness of state governments and central ministries for the impending cyclone 'Michaung' in the Bay of Bengal.

The Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) presented the latest updates on cyclonic storm 'Michaung.' As of the latest report, the storm, currently situated over the southwest Bay of Bengal, has been moving northwestwards at a speed of 9 kmph. At 1630 hours IST today, its coordinates were approximately latitude 11.8°N and longitude 82.2°E, about 260 km east-southeast of Puducherry, 250 km southeast of Chennai, 380 km south-southeast of Nellore, 490 km south-southeast of Bapatla, and 500 km south-southeast of Machilipatnam.

The cyclone is anticipated to continue its northwestward trajectory, gaining intensity before reaching the west-central Bay of Bengal off the south Andhra Pradesh and adjoining north Tamil Nadu coasts by the forenoon of December 4. Subsequently, it is expected to move almost northwards, running parallel to and close to the south Andhra Pradesh coast, crossing between Nellore and Machilipatnam during the forenoon of December 5. At this point, it is projected to be a Severe Cyclonic Storm, boasting a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph, gusting up to 110 kmph.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba stressed that the states involved must implement all necessary precautionary measures based on the latest IMD forecast. He underlined the paramount importance of ensuring no loss of life and the timely completion of evacuations from vulnerable areas.

Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Puducherry, and the Special Chief Secretary of Revenue & Disaster Management, Andhra Pradesh, provided updates on the preparations undertaken in their respective regions. The identification of low-lying areas, commencement of evacuations to relief centers, issuance of alerts in local languages through SMS and weather bulletins, and the return of fishermen and vessels to safety were highlighted. Adequate stocks of essential commodities have been ensured, and local administrations have deployed ample personnel for 24/7 supervision and monitoring.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed 21 teams in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry, with an additional 8 teams on standby.

Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba directed that all preventive and precautionary measures be promptly implemented by Central Agencies and the governments of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Puducherry. The primary goal remains avoiding loss of life and minimizing property damage, with evacuation procedures executed on time. He also stressed the importance of issuing timely alerts in local languages.

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, and the Indian Coast Guard received specific instructions to relocate all boats/vessels and manpower from offshore installations to safer areas without delay. The Cabinet Secretary assured the concerned state governments that a sufficient number of NDRF teams would be deployed as needed, and all central agencies are on standby to assist.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretaries of Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and Puducherry, the Special Chief Secretary of Revenue and disaster Management, Andhra Pradesh, Union Home Secretary, Secretary of the Department of Fisheries, Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Secretary of the Department of Telecommunications, Additional Secretary of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Member Secretary of NDMA, DG IMD, DG Coast Guard, CISC IDS, IG NDRF, and senior officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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