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ALERT: Super Cyclonic Storm Amphan likely to hit Odisha and West Bengal on  May 20, 2020; WV India teams on alert and ready to respond

Cyclone Amphan set to bring heavy rains and stormy winds to coastal Odisha and West Bengal

The very severe cyclonic storm Amphan (pronounced UM-PUN) now over the central parts of South Bay of Bengal moved north-north-eastwards and has intensified into a Super Cyclonic Storm, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.

It is set to move north-north-eastwards across northwest Bay of Bengal and cross the West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts between Digha (West Bengal) and Hatiya Islands (Bangladesh) during the afternoon/evening of 20^th May 2020 as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm.

Stormy winds with maximum sustained wind velocity of 155-165 kmph, gusting towards 185 kmph, and heavy rains are expected in the path of the cyclonic storm.

The Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System has declared a red alert for cyclone Amphan. Storm surge is also expected over West Bengal and parts of southern Bangladesh.

Government’s Response

The State Government teams of Odisha and West Bengal are on high alert. The Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, reviewed the response preparedness as well as the evacuation plan presented by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

25 NDRF teams have been deployed on the ground to assist with evacuation, rescue and relief, while 12 others are ready in reserve. Twenty-four other NDRF teams have also been kept on standby in different parts of the country.

According to some media reports, with COVID-19 many villagers are wary of moving to temporary shelters. The local Government teams have assured villagers that these centres have been sanitised well.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea by the state Governments across the eastern coast of India.

WV India’s Response

WV India’s ADPs in Odisha, West Bengal and northern parts of Andhra Pradesh are on high Alert, monitoring the situation. Members of WV India’s National Disaster Management Team (NDMT) are on standby to be deployed for the response. The supply chain management teams have also been alerted and are ready to procure relief supplies, as necessary.

“Responding to two disasters at the same time is a new challenge for us when there is lockdown in the country. However, WV India is gearing up to respond to the immediate needs of the communities which will be affected by the cyclone, if it makes landfall,” says Franklin Jones – Head- HEA, World Vision India.

WV India ADPs in the path of Cyclone Amphan

Around 12 ADPs of WV India are in the expected path of cyclone Amphan. The ADP teams are working with the Govt. and are monitoring the situation in the communities.

About Post Author

Editor Desk

Antara Tripathy M.Sc., B.Ed. by qualification and bring 15 years of media reporting experience.. Coverred many illustarted events like, G20, ICC,MCCI,British High Commission, Bangladesh etc. She took over from the founder Editor of IBG NEWS Suman Munshi (15/Mar/2012- 09/Aug/2018 and October 2020 to 13 June 2023).

[email protected]

https://in.linkedin.com/in/sumanmunshi

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