Ahead of a looming cyclone over the Bay of Bengal, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by Cabinet Secretary Dr T V Somanathan, organized to assess the nation's preparedness. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) briefed the committee on the cyclone's status, noting that a low-pressure area in the east-central Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a depression by the morning of October 22, 2024, and intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23.
The storm is projected to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts, by October 24. It could cross between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24, potentially as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h.
State officials from Odisha and West Bengal updated the committee on their ongoing preparedness. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea, and control rooms have been activated to monitor the situation. Evacuation plans for people in vulnerable areas have been prepared, with shelters, emergency services, and medical supplies on standby. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha, while rescue teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with aircraft and ships, are ready to assist.
Dr. Somanathan highlighted the importance of minimizing casualties and property damage, stressing that fishermen must be called back from the sea and vulnerable populations evacuated in a timely manner. He assured that central agencies are on full alert and will assist as necessary. States such as Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand were also urged to prepare for potential heavy rains. Additionally, dam water releases in affected areas should be carefully managed to prevent flooding.
The meeting included high-level officials from key ministries, defense services, and state governments. All agencies are closely monitoring the situation as the cyclone approaches.
