Cyclone Jawad: PM Modi Chairs Meeting With Top Officials. NDRF Teams Deployed In Odisha & Andhra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on the cyclone-related situation in the country on Thursday. The PM was briefed by the top officials about the emerging situation in the Andaman Sea.

New Delhi: With the threat of Cyclone Jawad looming large over Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting with top officials and  National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday.

PM Modi was briefed by top officials about the status of the low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, which is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by December 3. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said Cyclone Jawad was expected to hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha by December 4 morning.  

"We updated the PM on the weather for the next three days, as per IMD. The Home secretary then gave information on all arrangements. We have deployed 29 out of 62 teams in the affected regions today; reserved teams will be available nearby. The wind speed is expected to be 90-100 kmph, accompanied by heavy rainfall and tidal waves," Atul Karwal, DG NDRF, told ANI.

READ | Cyclone Jawad To Hit Andhra Pradesh, Odisha By December 4

The IMD has alerted that a low-pressure area forming over the Andaman sea was likely to intensify in 12 hours. It is expected to bring heavy rain in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The cyclone may have an impact on Chhattisgarh as well.

Almost all districts of South Bengal are expected to witness heavy rain. IMD has also issued a red alert for several Odisha districts, which are likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall. IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has requested all the fishermen going to the sea to return to the coast by December 2. 

 

"The cyclonic storm is likely to affect Srikakulam, Visakhapatnam and Vizianagaram in Andhra Pradesh and coastal districts of Odisha. It is also likely to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal areas and Gangetic parts of West Bengal," a statement by the Home Ministry said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed eight teams in West Bengal and eight more are to be sent tonight, reported ANI. The Army and Navy too are ready along with their ships and aircraft.

The Odisha government had also asked the collectors of 13 districts to chalk out an evacuation and a disaster management plan for the cyclone. Along with the NDRF, the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire department personnel have been alerted for the rescue operations.