Cyclone Nisarga: 33 NDRF teams deployed in Maharashtra, Gujarat
Thirty-three NDRF teams have been deployed in the coastal districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat in view of the impending Cyclone Nisarga, the chief of the federal contingency force said on Tuesday (June 2).
Thirty-three NDRF teams have been deployed in the coastal districts of Maharashtra and Gujarat in view of the impending Cyclone Nisarga, the chief of the federal contingency force said on Tuesday (June 2).
In a video message, NDRF Director General (DG) S N Pradhan said, “Gujarat and Maharashtra have 11 and 10 teams respectively and they are being deployed in the coastal districts facing the Arabian Sea”.
On Gujarat’s request, five more teams are being airlifted to the state from Punjab, he said. Gujarat will have a total of 17 NDRF teams, including two on standby, and neighbouring Maharashtra 16 teams, including six on standby, he said.
“This will constitute a total of 33 teams in the two states,” the officer said.
Depression over east-central Arabian sea intensified into Deep Depression. To intensify further into a Severe Cyclonic Storm and cross Maharashtra coast during 3rd June afternoon.Cyclone Alert for north Maharashtra south Gujarat coasts: IMD pic.twitter.com/Mj3wb8k72t
— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020
An NDRF team has a strength of about 45 personnel and each unit is equipped with tree and pole cutters, communication gadgets, inflatable boats and a small basic medical unit.
Pradhan said the teams on ground have begun the process of evacuation and have launched an awareness drive among the locals.
“Although this is not an extremely severe cyclone, all precautions are being taken with the basic principle in mind that while we expect the best, we must prepare for the worst,” he said.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert in Mumbai and neighbouring districts ahead of the landfall of cyclonic storm Nisarga on Wednesday (June 3).
The cyclone is moving northwards at a speed of 4kmph and is 500 km away from the Mumbai coast. It is expected to make a landfall between Harihareshwar in Raigad and Daman on Wednesday.
Maharashtra: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams deployed in Palghar conduct survey in the district and take stock of the situation, in view of impending severe cyclone. pic.twitter.com/Uba1CDerAc
— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020
According to IMD predictions, the storm which is a result of depression forming in the southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea and Lakshadweep area will bring high-speed winds and extremely heavy rainfall to Mumbai and Gujarat.
A red alert has also been issued for the six districts of Palghar, Thane, Raigad, Dhule, Nandurbar, and Nashik on June 3 and June 4.
Taking stock of the developing cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday tweeted, “Took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone conditions in parts of India’s western coast. Praying for everyone’s well-being. I urge people to take all possible precautions and safety measures.”
Took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone conditions in parts of India’s western coast.
Praying for everyone’s well-being. I urge people to take all possible precautions and safety measures.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 2, 2020
Earlier on Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the situation and the state’s preparedness during a video conference with Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
According to reports the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed nine teams in Mumbai (3), Palghar (2) and Thane (1).
“Nisarga is a severe cyclone and we’re expecting a wind speed of 90-100 kmph, which I think is negotiable. Still, as a precautionary measure, we are going to start the evacuation of people from the coastal areas of the two states (Maharashtra and Gujarat) soon,” NDRF Director-General S N Pradhan told NDTV.
Related news: Cyclone Nisarga: Shah meets NDMA officials; 9 NDRF teams deployed
The NDRF chief also said that it is being ensured that power disruptions do not happen in hospitals treating COVID-19 patients.
When it develops into a severe cyclonic storm, Nisarga will rage at a wind speed of 105-115 kmph on June 3 and gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 60-70 gusting to 80 kmph on June 4.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
Mumbai: Fishermen return from the sea as they have been cautioned by the authorities not to venture out at sea, in view of impending adverse weather; Visuals from Mahim Beach. #CycloneNisarga pic.twitter.com/Kw5xR7bSrF
— ANI (@ANI) June 2, 2020
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