New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department, on Tuesday, has issued a red alert for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and a yellow alert for coastal Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, predicting that the Cyclone Nivar is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm during next 12 hours and into a very severe cyclonic storm during the subsequent 12 hours.
In the view of that, 30 NDRF teams have also pre-positioned at likely to be affected areas, who are working in coordination with respective district and local administration.
"12 teams are positioned in Tamil Nadu, 2 teams in Puducherry and 1 team in Karaikal. 3 teams are positioned in Nellore and 1 in Chittoor. 3 teams are pre-positioned in Vizag. Total 22 teams are available on the ground and 8 teams on standby. Total 30 teams of NDRF are committed at this task," said Director General of NDRF, SN Pradhan while addressing a press conference.
He further added, "It is a rapidly developing situation. NDRF control room is monitoring the situation 24X7, coordinating with states. All teams have reliable wireless and satellite communications, tree cutters/pole cutters for post-landfall restoration if the need arises."
In view of current COVID-19 situation, NDRF teams have been equipped with appropriate PPE kits, and they will work as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Teams are already at work, distributing masks and alerting people about cyclonic storm.