How Prepared is NDRF with 25 Teams Deployed Ahead of Cyclone Montha?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 25 NDRF teams deployed across affected states.
- Highest cyclone alert issued at Kakinada Port.
- Public safety advisories from local governments.
- Strong winds and heavy rainfall expected.
- Local leaders mobilised to assist communities.
New Delhi, Oct 28 (NationPress) As Cyclone Montha approaches the coast of Andhra Pradesh, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilised 25 teams across states anticipated to be affected, including Telangana, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. Inspector General Narender Singh Bundela stated on Tuesday that the force is thoroughly equipped to handle the cyclone's repercussions.
In an interview with IANS, IG Bundela remarked: "To prepare for this cyclone, the Cabinet Secretary held a meeting recently to assess readiness and coordination efforts, aiming to reduce impact."
He mentioned that NDRF units have been strategically positioned in at-risk coastal areas.
"We have assigned 25 NDRF teams in states likely to be affected - Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. As Cyclone Montha is expected to make landfall, the NDRF is ready to react swiftly to any emerging situations," he confirmed.
The IG also noted that state disaster management teams are on standby, and advisories have been released by relevant governments to ensure the safety of the public.
Meanwhile, the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam has issued the highest alert as the storm nears the shore. The severe cyclone warning signal number 10 was raised at Kakinada Port, indicating extreme cyclone conditions. This replaces the previous danger signal number seven.
Additionally, great danger signal number nine has been hoisted at Visakhapatnam, Gangavaram, Kalingapatnam, and Bheemunipatnam ports as the cyclone continues to strengthen over the Bay of Bengal.
With expectations of strong winds and heavy rainfall, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has urged leaders and party members to assist the public during this crucial period.
During a teleconference with NDA MPs, ministers, and MLAs, Naidu instructed that everyone—from party workers to senior leaders—should be available to support those in cyclone-hit areas.
"Cyclone Montha is moving towards the state, currently located about 270 km from Kakinada and advancing at a speed of 15 km per hour," the Chief Minister informed participants.
In Tamil Nadu, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inspected the Greater Chennai Corporation’s Command and Control Centre at Ripon Buildings to assess the city’s readiness. Accompanied by senior officials, Stalin reviewed real-time data on rainfall intensity, vehicle movement in subways, and water levels in canals, rivers, and estuaries.