INDIAN COAST GUARD PREPARED AND GEARED FOR RESPONSE IN THE WAKE OF CYCLONE MOCHA
1. Indian Coast Guard (ICG), with the first indication of Low pressure in Bay of Bengal on 03 May 23, geared-up its response and preparations towards preventive and pre-emptive measures in the states of West Bengal and Odisha to minimise the loss of life and property at sea. A special team of ICG has been formed to monitor the preparations and coordinate with civil agencies to mitigate any threat posed by the Cyclonic storm. ICG ships and aircraft have been extensively deployed at sea to broadcast and alert fishing boats and merchant vessels about the Cyclone warning All ICG units including aviation assets have been maintaining high level of readiness to respond to emergent maritime SAR and disaster relief contingencies.
2. Weather Warning is being broadcasted through ICG Ships on patrol and aircraft on surveillance to alert fishermen and mariners at sea. Further, ICG ‘Remote Operating Station’ (ROS) at Paradip and Haldia are incessantly relaying weather alert messages on MMB radio in vernacular language and in english, at regular intervals to alert both fishing and merchant fleet. Ships at anchorage are being monitored by ICG ROS and are advised to take necessary safety measures. Close liaison and continuous communication is being maintained by ICG ROS with Ports for safety of ships.
3. In addition, Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTS) have been formed by all CG stations in West Bengal and Odisha for undertaking disaster response operations if required. These DRT have been carrying out regular drills/ exercises at unit level as part of training and are adequately equipped with disaster relief gears/ equipment. In addition, Pollution Response equipment/ gears have also been kept standby for quick mobilisation and response in case of any eventuality.
