#CycloneFani: Various measures deployed for Rescue and Relief Operations
Vishakhapatnam, May 3: The Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘FANI’ lies about 150 km East South East of Visakhapatnam and about 300 km south-southwest of Puri (Odisha) as on 5:30 pm on Thursday. The Cyclonic Storm FANI is moving slowly in a Northerly direction and expected to cross Odisha Coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, around Puri during today forenoon with a maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph.
Indian Naval Ships Sahyadri, Ranvir and Kadmatt with Relief Material and Medical Teams embarked have been deployed on the evening of Wednesday and are maintaining south of the Cyclonic Storm to be the first responder and commence rescue operation as soon as the cyclone crosses the coast. Additional Relief Material, Medical Teams and Diving Teams have been shifted from Visakhapatnam to Odisha by road to augment the Rescue and Relief efforts under Naval Officer-in-Charge(Odisha) on Thursday. Aircraft have been kept standby for immediate deployment to carry out an aerial survey as soon as the cyclone crosses coast to assess the impact of the cyclone and aid in the rescue operation. Helicopters are also kept standby for joining in the rescue operation and for air dropping of relief material when required.
ENC is closely monitoring the movement of the cyclone and Naval Officers-in-Charge of West Bengal and Odisha are in constant communication with respective State Administrations to coordinate rescue and relief operations. Additional ships and aircraft have been kept standby at Visakhapatnam for immediate deployment to the most affected areas in the aftermath of the cyclone crossing the coast.
In view of the severe cyclonic storm Fani, Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (APEPDCL) has cautioned public to be more alert regarding any untoward power accidents due to nature's fury.
Likewise 12,000 poles, 50 cranes, 40 pole drilling machines, 40 generators, 70 power saws, 2,000 transformers, wires, conductors, cross arms, insulators were already sent to the cyclone-affected places and in addition, other necessary items are being procured.
A massive exodus got underway in coastal Odisha as Lakhs of people left their homes in probably the largest evacuation ahead of a natural disaster in the country. The Odisha government has moved more than 11 lakh people to safety and advised the public to remain indoors.
After crossing Odisha, cyclone Fani is likely to move towards West Bengal. It is also likely to impact parts of the northeast, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
There is a forecast of massive tides up to 1.5 metres and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.
