225 disaster management experts rushed to Mumbai as precautionary measure for Cyclone Phyan
225 disaster management experts rushed to Mumbai as precautionary measure for Cyclone Phyan
ADVERTISEMENT
Cyclone Phyan may have skipped Mumbai for the moment, but the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), based in Talegaon, is not taking any chances. The NDRF has rushed five teams to Mumbai, two to Thane and one to Goa, armed with all precautionary equipment, including inflatable boats.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports, the cyclone was likely to intensify further, and cross the coast between north Maharashtra and south Gujarat early today.
Assistant Commandant of NDRF S K Gangopadhyay said, "Our battalion was on high alert since the last two days. And now, we received information from the State Disaster Management Authority to rush to the west coast."
Alok Avasthy, the Commandant of the 145 Battalion of the NDRF told MiD DAY, "We do not want to take any chances; hence we have rushed maximum people to Mumbai. These are experts in rescue operations, and have left by road carrying inflatable boats, lifejackets, cutters and other rescue apparatus. If this cyclone hits Mumbai its wind velocity could inflict serious damage." The teams will be camping in the cyclone-hit areas till things return to normalcy.
The NDRF has rushed the team because the cyclone over the Arabian Sea was likely to intensify further, and cross the Indian coast between north Maharashtra and south Gujarat in the early hours of Thursday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Each NDRF team comprises of 45 experts, and will be camping in Mumbai, Thane, Ratnagiri, Sindhudhurg and Goa. If necessary choppers will be requisitioned for relief and rescue, Avasthy said.
Deputy director of IMD Medha Khole said, "Though the cyclone has now crossed the west coast, its intensity is still high. One can assume that it may not inflict severe damage in the west coast, but we still have to wait
and watch.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
