New Delhi: The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met here today under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar Sinha and reviewed preparedness relating to the Cyclone ‘VAYU’.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD)’s forecast, the Cyclonic Storm ‘VAYU’ is expected to touch Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Veraval& Diu region as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmphon the morning of 13th June 2019. It is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat alongwithstorm surge, which may cause inundation in the low lying coastal areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Diu, GirSomnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts etcat the time of landfall. IMD has been issuing regular bulletins to concerned authorities.

Chief Secretary of Gujarat and Advisor to Administrator Daman &Diu apprised the NCMC of preparatory measures put in place for dealing with cyclonic Storm. Gujarat Chief Secretary informed that approximately 2.8 lakh people from the vulnerable areas along the coast would be evacuated from tomorrow. Arrangements have been made to warn people of the impending cyclone throughannouncements in media andbulk SMS.

Reviewing the preparedness of the State and Central Agencies, Cabinet Secretary directed that people from vulnerable areas be moved to safer places, and essential food, drinking water and medicines be stocked. All possible measures are to be taken to avoid any human casualty andpreparations kept ready to restore any damage that may be caused to infrastructure.

NDRF has mobilized 35 teams in Gujarat and 4 teams in Diu in coordination with local administration. Rescue teams of SDRF, Army, Coast Guard and BSF are also in readiness. Ministry of Home Affairs is in continuous touch with the State Governments and the Central Agencies concerned.

Chief Secretaries and other officers of Gujarat and Daman, Diu and Dadranagar Haveli participated in the NCMC Meeting through Video Conference. Senior Officers from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Shipping, Railways, Power, Telecommunications, Defence, Fisheries, IMD, NDMA and NDRF attended the meeting.

NCMC will meet again to take stock of the situation.

PIB