Indian Coast Guard (ICG) initiated series of pre-emptive
measures from first sign of weather disturbance in Bay of Bengal on Apr 23,
2019 and implemented lessons learnt from Cyclone Ockhi to ensure safety of
lives at sea. Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani is presently 260 nautical
miles SE of Vishakhapatnam and likely to intensify further and cross Odisha
coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali to the south of Puri around May 03, 2019.
Pre-Emptive Measures – One Week in Advance
Consequent to formation of low pressure in south East Bay of
Bengal around Aprir 23, 2019, Indian Coast Guard initiated series of
pre-emptive measures to prevent loss of fishermen lives. ICG formations
were put on high alert and high state of preparedness. Fisheries Authorities,
State Authorities and local administration were warned since April 23, 2019 onwards
for precautionary measures. Close liaison is being maintained with the State
Administration, various departments and Indian Meteorological Department to
ensure wide spread precautionary measures in the affected areas. Indian Coast
Guard Remote Operating Stations located in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha
and West Bengal are issuing Security/ Safety messages on radio in Vernacular
languages.
Indian Coast Guard ships and aircraft were deployed along
the East coast since April 24, 2019 for issuance of advisories and warnings in
vernacular languages to fishermen at sea and for their safe return to ports.
International Safety Net (ISN) was activated on April 24,2019 in
the Bay of Bengal by Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres (Chennai/ Mumbai)
requesting transiting Merchant vessels to advise and warn fishermen to return
harbour/ take shelter at nearest fishing harbour and render assistance, if
required and is continuing since them.
Transmission of Navigational Telex (NAVTEX) warnings
commenced on April 24, 2019.Preparedness meetings were conducted by Chief
Secretaries at Chennai on April 24,2019 and Kolkata on April 30, 2019. The
meetings were attended by ICG representatives.
Deployment of ICG Surface and Air Assets- Tamil
Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Puducherry coast – nine ships, Odisha and West Bengal
– five ships, Indian Coast Guard Ships have been kept standby for mobilization
of Disaster Relief Material in coordination with State Authorities at Chennai
and Vizag. Four Dornier sorties are being launched every day on an average for
alerting fishing boats from Chennai, Bhubaneswar and Kolkata.
Safety of Fishing Boats- ICG coordinated
with Fisheries Authorities of respective states and confirmed that no fishing
boats are presently operating at sea. AdditionallyICG ships and aircraft
deployed at sea are also keeping lookout for warning/shepherding of fishing
boats if sighted/located at sea.
Special Community Interaction programmesat 12 places were
conducted at Tuticorin, Pamban, Villupuram, Chennai, Krishnapatnam, Nizampatnam,
Visakhapatnam, Uppalanaka (Kakinada), Paradip, Haldia, Gopalpur and Frazergunj
for fishermen and coastal populace for undertaking safety measures.
Disaster Response Teams (DRTs)have been kept
standby at following places:-
|
SL
|
Place
|
Number
|
Remarks
|
|
1.
|
Vizag
|
04
|
Teams ready for mobilization at short notice with
lifesaving equipment
|
|
2.
|
Chennai
|
04
|
|
|
3.
|
Paradip
|
04
|
|
|
4.
|
Gopalpur
|
02
|
|
|
5.
|
Haldia
|
04
|
|
|
6.
|
Frazergunj
|
02
|
|
|
Total
|
20
|
|
|
Indian Coast Guard Ships, Dornier and Helicopter are kept
standby for distribution of Relief Material in coordination with State
Authorities/NGOs at Chennai, Vizag and Kolkata.
Courtesy: pib.gov.in
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