India reviews preparedness as cyclone Nivar approaches

Cyclone Nivar is expected to hit the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between Tuesday and Thursday. Fishermen have been told to stay away from the sea.

New Delhi: The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) on Monday reviewed the status of cyclone "Nivar" that is expected to hit the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between Tuesday and Thursday and directed that fishermen should not be allowed to venture out to sea.

The NCMC, headed by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, also directed everyone concerned to continue to work with an aim of zero loss of life and early restoration of normalcy in the affected areas, an official statement said.

The NCMC reviewed the status of the impending cyclone Nivar at a meeting held through video-conferencing with the chief secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The chief secretaries briefed the NCMC about their preparedness and mentioned that the authorities are fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

They also informed the NCMC about the coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and other agencies to tackle the challenge.

The director general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) made a presentation on the current situation and said the status is being shared with the states concerned.

He said the cyclone is going to affect the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry between November 24 and 26.

It was stressed at the meeting that the advisories issued to the fishermen not to venture out to sea should be strictly implemented, the statement said.

People living in "kutcha" houses may be advised suitably according to the situation, the meeting observed.

The secretaries from the ministries of home, power, telecommunication, civil aviation, shipping and health, the chairman of the Railway Board, the member-secretary of the NDMA, the DG, NDRF and a representative of the Ministry of Defence also informed the NCMC about the arrangements and assistance provided to the states concerned.

PTI Report