Bengal: All set to deal with Cyclone Amphan

Cyclone Amphan is expected to make a landfall in Bengal on Wednesday. It could worsen the coronavirus crisis, according to reports. However, all preparations have been made to deal with the disaster in the state.

Cyclone Amphan is expected to make a landfall in Bengal on Wednesday. It has already turned in to a super cyclone, and is moving fast. The state administration is fearing this cyclone could worsen the coronavirus crisis. However, they claim all preparations have been made to deal with the disaster in the time of this pandemic.

According to the weather office, the cyclone may affect East Midnapore, West Midnapore, Jhargram, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Howrah and Hooghly district of Bengal. Residents are being evacuated from low-lying areas in coastal districts to safer places. In addition to the cyclone shelters, arrangements have been made for them to stay in school and college buildings.

According to the administration, although there is enough space in the cyclone shelters, extra space is needed to maintain social distance. In addition to adequate relief, the local administration has readied face masks, hand and surface sanitisers and medical teams to maintain hygiene. At the same time, the district administration is running a warning campaign.

"We have, in a video conference, discussed with the Central government about this disaster management. The chief secretary has held meetings with various departments. Due to lockdown, fishing is already prohibited in the state. However, that too is being monitored. Arrangements are being made to accommodate people in flood centres as well as schools and colleges, so that social distance can be properly maintained,” said Alapan Banerjee, home secretary of West Bengal.