New Delhi: In anticipation of a severe cyclonic storm expected to hit the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by 24 October, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) convened a preparedness review meeting on Monday, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Dr. T. V. Somanathan, a PIB press release stated.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) briefed the committee on the development of low-pressure areas over the east-central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to intensify into a depression by 22 October morning and into a cyclonic storm by 23 October. It is very likely to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by 24 October morning. The storm is then expected to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24th and early morning of October 25th, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph.
Chief Secretaries from Odisha and West Bengal outlined the preparatory measures taken by their respective governments. These include evacuating residents from vulnerable areas, issuing advisories to fishermen, and activating control rooms. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha, while the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have also readied rescue and relief teams, ships, and aircraft.
Cabinet Secretary Somanathan emphasized the need for all stakeholders to prioritize minimizing loss of life and property. He urged the state governments to ensure the timely evacuation of fishermen and vulnerable populations and to restore essential services swiftly in the event of damage.
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