Thiruvananthapuram : Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan sounded caution against Buveri, urging all members of public to up vigil until the severe cyclonic storm traveled out the state. At the media briefing, CM said, Buveri has crossed Sri Lanka and reached Manar sea near Pamban. According to Indian Meteorological Department(IMD)’s latest bulletin, the cyclone will make landfall in southern Tamil Nadu by midnight today or early hours of Friday after which, it will advance along Tuticorin coast to enter mainland. Hitting India, Cyclone Buveri is expected have windspeeds between 70-80 kmph, said CM.
As storm travels along shoreline, it is predicted to weaken into a deep depression in Kerala and drain into the Arabian sea, said CM. If the cyclone sticks to the path forecast by the Met Dept, the storm will centre close to Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam border regions. Buveri is expected to empty into Arabian sea en route our districts during daytime on Friday.
The severity of storm lessens during land travel. Therefore, it is expected that windspeeds in Kerala will reach up to a maximum of 60 kmph, when it passes here. Up to now, regions north to the Buveri path have experience severe rains as it traveled. Therefore in Kerala, apart from its pathway, northern regions of Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Alappuzha could witness heavy downpours. Red alert has already been issued to Kollam Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta and Idukki.
In districts from Thiruvananthapuram up to Ernakulam, Buveri will likely cause winds speeding 50 - 60 kmph. And, because the storm would trigger heavy rains, plains and low-lying areas could be flooded and hilly areas witness mudslides and landslides. Houses not strongly roofed run risk of damage or roofs shattered. Massive floods are not however expected to occur this time although accidents could occur from uprooted trees and posts, boards and electricity lines that could get flung by high winds.
The state Disaster Management Authority had perceived possibility of a cyclonic storm as early as 28th November. The forewarning and instructions for preparedness was issued to all disaster relief authorities across districts and related departments, said CM. Fishing was fully prohibited by midnight of 30 Nov. And, the Fisheries Department, Coast Guard, Coastal Police and Marine Enforcement initiated steps to call back those who had set out to the sea already. Mike announcements were made via vehicles that criss-crossed fishing villages and harbour settlements, in order to make the folks aware of the danger and safety precautions. Meetings convened by Collectors jointly with Disaster Relief Authority were held in all district to take stock of the situation. Arrangements have been put in place and necessary orders issued.
Police, Fire Force, Rescue Service and Defence personnel have been deployed at places where needed. 8 National Disaster Relief Force(NDRF) teams are sprawled over districts likely to be affected. One team per district have been deployed to Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam while there are two NDRF teams positioned in Idukki. Air Force has been requested to stay helicopters and fixed-wing aircrafts in standby. In case there be rescue at sea required in an emergency, Navy has been requested to dock ships at 30 nautical miles from shoreline. Military and paramilitary too have been urged to remain in ready mode, said Chief Minister.
2891 camps have been set up in districts forewarned of cyclonic impact. A State Emergency Operations Centre has been set up by State Disaster Management Authority, apart from District Emergency Operations Centre at district level and Control Rooms at Taluk level - all of which are presently operational whole 24 hours. The Disaster Relief Authority is relaying information to communities and other systems on the progress of cyclone, its pathway and other related developments,
Directives regarding electricity distribution, Sabarimala pilgrimage and dams have been issued. Based on updates provided by IMD, a list of local self-government bodies likely to be impacted and maps to their region have been prepared and made available on the department’s website. Telecom providers have been instructed to keep ‘communications on wheels’ ready. Also they have been instructed, to keep standby generators close to towers for keeping up uninterrupted services.
Post an assessment meeting held by cabinet secretaries, the centre has been posted on all arrangements readied in the state. The State Disaster Relief Authority held its executive committee meeting to evaluate activities of various departments and issued necessary instructions and advisory. A meeting to take stock on emerging situation was held on 2nd December by the State Relief commission.
