Port Blair, May 22 (UNI) As per IMD forecast, a Low-pressure area is very likely to form over the north Andaman Sea and adjoining the east-central Bay of Bengal around 23rd May.
It is very likely to intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 24th May and will be named as ‘YAAS’, once it is fully formed. It is likely to move northwestwards and reach near Odisha- West Bengal coasts around 26th May.
Considering the threat from Cyclone Yaas all units of the Indian Coast Guard in Andaman have been placed on high alert.
As per reports, under its influence, squally winds with speeds up to 65 to 75 Kmph gusting to 85 kmph from 24th May onwards are expected over major parts of the Andaman Sea and the central Bay of Bengal.
Considering the threat to the fishermen community of Andaman and Nicobar Islands from the Cyclone, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) in coordination with Fisheries authorities and local Police have initiated extensive pre-emptive and preventive measures in A& N to minimise the loss of life and property at sea.
“All ICG afloat, ashore and aviation units are placed on high alert and directed to maintain the highest state of preparedness to meet any contingency,” a senior Coast Guard Officer informed today.
The development of weather in Andaman Sea and Bay of Bengal is being closely monitored and ICG Radar Operating Centre at Port Blair is incessantly relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio at regular intervals to alert both fishing and merchant fleet.
Weather warnings through Navtex transmitting stations are being issued regularly to alert the vessels in/ transiting through the area.
“Ships at anchorage have also been advised to take shelter and necessary safety measures by Port authorities. Weather advisories/ warnings are being issued through local print media and regular radio broadcasts through ‘ALL India Radio’ for the safety of fishermen. Indian Coast Guard Ships and aircraft at sea are also broadcasting weather warning to fishermen operating at sea about likely formation of the cyclone and directing them to return to the nearest harbour for safety,” the officials informed.
The Coast Guard Stations at various remote locations in A & N Region, in coordination with local fisheries authorities and village Pradhans, are sensitizing the fishing community on persisting rough seas/inclement weather at sea and urging the fishermen to refrain from moving out to sea till improvement of weather.
ICG response teams in close liaison with respective local fisheries representative and village heads are accounting for details of fishing boats in the harbour.
In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, Lifebuoys and life-jackets are on standby for undertaking Disaster response operations. All actions and response measures are being undertaken to maintain COVID-19 protocol.
UNI SKR RN