Nodal officers from ASDMA and Revenue and Disaster Management department convened a series of meetings with all district authorities on Sunday to review the preparedness
Representational image. Pic/iStock
An official announcement states that an intense red alert has been issued for seven districts in Assam and an orange alert for 11 districts due to the very heavy rains caused by cyclone 'Remal', which is scheduled to make landfall on Sunday night around midnight. After making landfall in Bangladesh and West Bengal on May 26, the storm is expected to proceed northeast, therefore the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) has issued a notice to locals and authorities, stressing the need to take precautions.
ADVERTISEMENT
On May 27 and 28, Assam and other northeastern regions are expected to get heavy rains, according to the Indian Meteorological Department's warning. Districts in Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai, and West Karbi Anglong are under an orange alert, while districts in Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj are under a red alert. On May 27, squally winds with gusts up to 60 kmph are predicted for Meghalaya and South Assam. The level of preparation has increased, with NDRF teams stationed in different districts and all SDRF teams and fire stations being kept ready by the Fire and Emergency Services headquarters.
To assess preparation, district officials from all around the country gathered for a series of meetings on Sunday, hosted by nodal personnel from the ASDMA and the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management. If necessary, boat traffic regulations may be put in place in some rivers, especially in the districts of Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, and Barak Valley. Along with other significant drains, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has made sure that important river channels like Bharalu, Bahini, Basistha, Mora Bharalu, and Lakhimijan are desilted. According to the statement, GMC has dispatched super sucker machines and pumps with extra personnel and is actively monitoring the locations that have previously experienced waterlogging problems.
Anticipatory evacuation of vulnerable populations from landslide-prone areas in Guwahati, Kamrup, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts may also be considered, the release said.
The Health Department has been alerted, guaranteeing that healthcare workers and emergency medications are available. Power, Forest, Panchayat and Rural Development, and Irrigation are among the other departments that have also been told to exercise caution. The general public has been urged to take preventative actions, including avoiding buildings that are easily damaged, avoiding wet regions, finding refuge during storms, stockpiling necessities, and calling the police in an emergency. The Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) in Guwahati has predicted above-average temperatures, with maximum temperatures in south Assam likely to reach 37–39 degrees Celsius and in other areas of the state, 36–38 degrees Celsius. Still, during the next 48 hours, a fall in temperature is anticipated.
(With Inputs from PTI)