IMD Forecasts Saved Many Lives, 7 lakhs in WB and Orissa Evacuated
in Time
Posted On: 21 MAY 2020 12:24PM by PIB Delhi
Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba today chaired the meeting of the National Crisis Management
Committee (NCMC), which reviewed the situation in the cyclone affected areas of
Odisha and West Bengal with the States and Central Ministries/Agencies concerned
in the aftermath of cyclone Amphan.
Chief Secretaries of Odisha and
West Bengal informed that timely and accurate forecast by IMD and advance deployment
of NDRF facilitated in evacuation of about 5 lakh people in West Bengal and about
2 lakhin Odisha. This has resulted in minimal loss of
human lives, considering the fact that the intensity of the Amphan
was next only to that of the Super Cyclone that struck Odisha in1999causing large
scale devastation.
NDRF is moving additional teams
in West Bengal to speed up restoration work, especially in Kolkata. FCI will also
ensure adequate availability of food grains, especially rice, to West Bengal so
that marooned people are provided immediate sustenance.
Power Ministry and Department of Telecommunications
will also assist in early restoration of services in both the States. The Railways,
which suffered major damages to its infrastructure, is in the process of restarting
its operations at the earliest.
West Bengal informed that there were major damages
to agriculture, power and telecommunication facilities in Cyclone affected areas.
Odisha informed that damages have been mainly limited to agriculture.
Reviewing the rescue and restoration efforts, Cabinet
Secretary directed that officers of Central Ministries/ Agencies should remain in
close touch with Odisha and West Bengal State Governments and provide all required
assistance expeditiously. Ministry of Home Affairs will be sending teams to carry
out early assessment of damages and submit a report.
Chief Secretaries of West Bengal and Odisha participated
in the NCMC Meeting through Video Conference. Senior Officers from the Ministries
of Home Affairs, Defence, Shipping, Civil Aviation, Railways,
Petroleum and Natural Gas, Power, Telecommunications, Steel, Drinking Water and
Sanitation, Health, IMD, NDMA and NDRF also attended the meeting.