Chief Secretary chairs emergency meeting to review preparedness of A&N Islands in view of depression over Andaman Sea

     The Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Shri Jitendra Narain chaired an emergency meeting this evening to review preparedness of A&N Islands to deal with any eventuality arising due to formation of a well marked low pressure area over South East Bay of Bengal and adjoining South Andaman Sea and its likely intensification into a depression on March 20 and into a cyclonic storm around March 21.  During the meeting, the Chief Secretary directed all the stakeholders to be on high alert on March 19, 20, 21 & 22 and ensure that all arrangements are at place in dealing with the situation. He asked the concerned authorities to immediately evacuate people from low lying areas to the Relief Shelters set up by Directorate of Disaster Management at various parts of the Islands. He said Relief Shelters/ Camps should be set up in Schools besides temporary shelters wherever needed whilst ensuring availability of food, water and other essential facilities. All Officers have been directed  to make every effort to ensure safety of all citizens.
   The Chief Secretary directed that the Shipping services should be immediately suspended in view of the inclement weather and no fishing boats should be allowed to venture into the sea and also ascertain that the boats are safely anchored. If any fishing vessel is on sea, they should be immediately directed to return to coast and Coast Guard should be alerted incase of any emergency like situation. Traffic should be restricted on March 19, 20, 21 & 22. He instructed the Disaster Management Department to issue pamphlets regarding cyclone and the dos and don'ts during such situation. Trees should be pruned wherever required.
   The Chief Secretary also asked the Disaster Management to function round the clock and ensure maximum publicity of important phone numbers viz. State Control Room and Help Line Numbers and notify the Relief Shelters/ Camps sets up at different parts of the Islands to assist the Islanders incase of any untoward incident.
   Self Help Groups may be alerted and asked to be on standby for any help/assistance, the Chief Secretary said.