Armed forces brace for cyclone Yaas impact in West Bengal and Odisha
The India Meteorological Department has issued a warning by saying a low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea and will intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 24. It will further turn into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours.
FollowFollowing the situation developing in the Bay of Bengal due to Cyclone Yaas, the armed forces have deployed their assets on standby and initiated all efforts to react to any contingency.
The Indian Army has deployed two columns and two Engineer Task Forces in Odisha and eight Columns and one Engineer Task Force in WestBengal on standby for rescue and relief operations.
As part of its preparedness, the Indian Navy has positioned eight flood relief teams and four diving teams at Odisha and West Bengal to augment the existing resources.
Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said, "We are closely monitoring the movement of the Cyclonic Storm. Eastern Naval Command Headquarters and naval officers-in-charge at West Bengal and Odisha Area have carried out preparatory activities to deal with the effects of Cyclone Yaas and is in constant touch with the state administrations for rendering assistance."
Besides, four naval ships are on standby with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief bricks, medical and diving teams to offer assistance in the most affected areas along the Odisha and West Bengal coasts.
"Naval aircraft have been kept ready at the naval air stations -- INS Dega at Visakhapatnam and INS Rajali near Chennai -- to undertake an aerial survey of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation, and airdrop of relief material as required," he said.
Indian Coast Guard is continuously alerting the ships and boats in the Bay of Bengal about the threat posed by the incoming cyclone.
Indian Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and ships are alerting the fishermen and vessels operating near the shore and those at sea about the cyclonic storm over the Odisha-West Bengal coast and directing them to turn back to the harbour safely.
On Saturday, the India Meteorological Department issued a warning by saying a low-pressure area formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea and will intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 24.
It will further turn into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 24 hours.
"It would continue to move north-northwestwards, intensify further and reach North Bay of Bengal near West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha & Bangladesh coasts around May 26 morning," the IMD said.
The Cyclone Yaas is very likely to cross West Bengal and adjoining north Odisha and Bangladesh coasts around May 26 evening with winds of 155 to 165 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall and storm surges in the coastal districts.
During a high-level review meeting on Saturday, chief secretaries of the concerned states told Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba that evacuation of people from the low lying areas is being carried out and that adequate stocks of foodgrains, drinking water, and other essential supplies have been arranged, and preparations made to maintain essential services like power and telecommunications.
NDRF has deployed or made available 65 teams, and 20 more teams are on standby.
As part of its HADR task readiness, the Indian Air Force has put its nine transport aircraft, two Dornier aircraft and several helicopters on alert mode.
"The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the West Bengal and adjoining Odisha coast on Wednesday, May 26. The IAF has kept a C-17, IL-76, 3 C-130s, 4 An-32s and 2 Dornier transport aircraft in readiness for the HADR task. Additionally, 11 Mi-17V5s, 2 Chetaks, 3 Cheetahs, 2 ALH Dhruvs and 7 Mi17 helicopters are also on alert for any eventuality," Indian Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Ashish Moghe informed.
Also, the force has airlifted 21 tonnes of HADR equipment and 334 personnel of NDRF from Patna and Varanasi to Kolkata and from Arakkonam to Port Blair, utilising five C-130 aircraft.
