The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has initiated extensive pre-emptive measures on the eastern coast, keeping in mind IMD’s forecast that a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around May 22. The prediction is that it will intensify into cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ in next 72 hours, and move north-westwards to reach Odisha and West Bengal coasts around May 26 evening.
ICG is closely monitoring weather development in Bay of Bengal, while its Remote Operating Stations (ROS) in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio at regular intervals. The messages, both in English and vernacular language, are meant to alert merchant vessels, fishing boats, fisheries survey, scientific research vessels, oil rigs, accommodation barges, support vessels for Offshore Development Areas (ODAs), etc.
Ships at anchorage have also been advised to take shelter and necessary safety measures.
Port authorities, oil rig operators, shipping and fisheries authorities, and fishermen associations have been notified about the likelihood of a cyclone formation.
Fishing ban has been enforced on the east coast of India. On top of it, Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and ships at sea are broadcasting weather warning to fishermen operating at sea about likely formation of cyclone and directing them to return to nearest harbour.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, life buoys and life jackets are on standby for undertaking disaster response operations. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation.
