New Delhi (NVI): The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilized adequate resources and self-contained rescue and relief teams in the likely affected areas of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Pondicherry, as cyclone ‘Nivar’ is expected to make landfall tonight.
Nivar, which has intensified into ‘very severe cyclonic storm’ is likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph, gusting upto 145 kmph.
The NDRF in a statement today said that its teams are equipped with wireless sets, satellite phone, cutters and various other advance equipment and tools needed for post cyclone operation.
The teams are keeping close watch over the development of the situation and are in close coordination with the local administration. Deployed Teams are conducting awareness programs on Cyclonic effects, do’s & don’ts during cyclone and COVID-19 safety measures and assisting the local administration in evacuation of the local people from cyclone affected places.
As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over southwest and adjoining the southeast Bay of Bengal has moved west-north westwards and is very much likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm ‘Nivar’ during the next 6 hours. “It is very likely to cross Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts between Karaikal and Mamallapuram around Puducherry during mid-night of 25th Nov and early hours of 26th Nov 2020 with wind speed of approx. 120 -130 Km/hrs,” the force said in a release.
A total of 25 NDRF teams are deployed on the likely affected coastal areas of Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry and Andhra Pradesh after consultation with state authorities. Out of these 15 teams have been deployed at coastal districts of Tamil Nadu including 06 teams at district Cuddalore, 3 teams at Viluppuram, 2 teams each at Chennai and Chengalpattu while 1 team each at Mayiladuthrai and Nagapattinam districts.
Besides, 3 teams are deployed at Puducherry (Pondicherry) and 1 team at Karaikal of the UT. Moreover, to tackle the situation 3 NDRF teams also have been deployed at Nellore district and 1 team at Chittoor of Andhra Pradesh.
“Seeing the severity of the situation, additional 5 NDRF teams are also kept on alert at Vijayawada (AP) NDRF Base and 02 teams at Vishakhapatnam for any immediate backup as per requirement. In view of the current COVID-19 scenario, NDRF teams are equipped with appropriate PPE/special kits and strictly following COVID-19 guidelines,” the NDRF said.
NDRF Director General Satya Narayan Pradhan is personally monitoring the situation and all efforts are being made in close collaboration with state authorities to ensure zero casualty and minimum damage to life and property.
In addition to that, NDRF headquarter is in close touch with various authorities/stakeholders. A 24×7, NDRF control room is monitoring the situation round the clock.
-ARK
