The extensive pre-emptive measures undertaken by Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on the eastern seaboard and Andaman & Nicobar Islands has helped to save many lives and vessels from the fury of Cyclone Yaas which struck the eastern coast on Wednesday with wind speeds of 130-140 km per hour gusting up to 150 kmph.
As part of the preventive measures, ICG ensured the safe return of 265 fishing boats which were out at sea. It had also advised ships at anchorage off the Odisha and West Bengal coast well in time which enabled them to take safe shelter and Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations for unloading oil were suspended. No report of any damage or loss has been received from any merchant ship, the defence ministry said in a statement.
“Three ICG ships, which were strategically positioned at sea for possible search and rescue missions, are approaching the Odisha and West Bengal coast for carrying out close to coast situational assessment while also sanitising the area,” the defence ministry said.
All the ashore, afloat and aviation units of ICG are maintaining a high state of readiness on the eastern seaboard for any response measures arising in the aftermath of the storm, it added.
At the request of the West Bengal government, ICG has deployed its Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) at Digha and Contai for assistance. Indian Coast Guard's Air Cushion Vehicle also rescued about 100 stranded people at Nayachara, West Bengal. The rescue operation is in progress.
The ICG Disaster Response Team also assisted in evacuation of locals at Contai. Other ICG DRTs with inflatable boats, life buoys and lifejackets are also standing by across West Bengal & Odisha and being deployed as per the requirement raised by state authorities. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept on standby for swift mobilisation, the defence ministry explained.
A close liaison and coordination with state administration, local authorities, ports, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities, fishermen associations and other stakeholders is being maintained to ensure safety of boats, vessels, fixed platforms and other assets at sea.
