TUTICORIN: The V O C Port on Tuticorin has stepped up preparedness ahead of cyclone Burevi, that is likely to hit the coast on Thursday morning.
Port Trust chairman T K Ramachandran reviewed the situation with heads of the departments and decided that the vessels at the berths may be shifted to anchorage if the need arose.
A full-fledged control room will be established at the port’s signal station, residential complex and administrative offices.
All the cranes at the port will be properly secured and contractors have been advised to remove loose equipment from the jetty area and project sites, and secure them at sheds.
Clearing of flood drains, pruning of branches of trees on the roads have also been carried out. Necessary equipment and manpower are kept ready to clear trees that may fall.
Adequate public address systems, wireless phones and very high frequency sets are kept ready for communicating with public and authorities concerned.
Adequate number of ambulances will also be stationed at appropriate locations of the port and the port school has been identified as the cyclone shelter.
The port is also coordinating with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Tuticorin district administration for assistance.