Coast Guard issues Warning and initiates extensive pre-emptive measures over Development of Low Pressure
21 May 2021 Chennai
Coast Guard issues Warning and initiates extensive pre-emptive measures over Development of Low Pressure Area over North Andaman and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal
As per IMD forecast, a low pressure area is very likely to form over North Andaman Sea and adjoining East Central Bay of Bengal around 22 May 2021. It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic storm in next 72 hrs. It is predicted to move North-westwards and reach Odisha-West Bengal coasts around 26 May 2021 evening.
Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has initiated extensive pre-emptive measures on Eastern coast and all the ashore, afloat and aviation units are on high alert. The development of weather in Bay of Bengal is being closely monit or ed and ICG Remote Operating Stations (ROS) in the States/ UTs of Tamilnadu, Puducherry, Andhra Pradesh, Odi sha, West Bengal as well as A&N islands are incessantly relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio at reg ular intervals both in English and in vernacular language to alert Merchant vessels, fishing boats, fisheries sur vey, Scientific research vessels, Oil rigs, accommodation barges, support vessels for Offshore Development Ar eas (ODAs), etc.
Ships at anchorage have also been advised to take shelter an d necessary safety measures. Navtex warnings are being issued regularly and International safety Net (ISN) has been activated to alert the vessels in/ transiting through area. Port authorities, Oil rig operators, Shipping, fisheries authorities and fishermen ass ociations have been informed about the likelihood of cyclone fo rmation and a close liaison and coordination for safety of boats, vessels and fixed platforms is being maintained.
Though fishing ban is enforced on the east coast of India, Coast Guard Dornier aircraft and Ships at sea are also broadcasting weather warning to fishermen operating at sea about likely formation of cyclone and directing them to return to nearest harbour for safety. ICG has also requested respective State/ UT governments to sensi tise fishers and accounting of fishing boats present in harbour and a close liaison is being maintained.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, Life buoys and lifejackets are standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams & ambulances have also been kept stand by for swift mobilisation.
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PS/AK/SS/05/21
