Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan Leads Cyclone Preparedness Meeting
On October 21, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) in New Delhi to discuss preparations for an upcoming cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a low-pressure area is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23, 2024, and may impact the Odisha and West Bengal coasts by October 24-25, 2024.
Preparations and Precautions
The Chief Secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal informed the committee about measures to protect residents, including advising fishermen to avoid the sea and preparing shelters and emergency services. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has teams on standby, and the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are ready to assist.
Central and State Coordination
The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of minimizing loss of life and property damage, ensuring timely evacuation, and restoring essential services quickly. He also advised Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand to prepare for potential heavy rainfall impacts.
Meeting Attendees
The meeting included senior officials from various ministries and departments, including the Union Home Secretary, and representatives from the IMD, NDRF, and Indian Coast Guard.
Doubts Revealed
Cabinet Secretary -: The Cabinet Secretary is the top-most executive official and senior-most civil servant in the Government of India. They help coordinate between different government departments and ensure smooth functioning.
TV Somanathan -: TV Somanathan is a senior Indian government official who is currently serving as the Cabinet Secretary. He plays a key role in managing government operations and responses to emergencies.
Cyclone -: A cyclone is a large storm system with strong winds and heavy rain. It can cause damage to buildings, trees, and can lead to flooding.
Bay of Bengal -: The Bay of Bengal is a large body of water in the northeastern part of the Indian Ocean. It is bordered by India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and is known for being prone to cyclones.
Odisha and West Bengal -: Odisha and West Bengal are states in eastern India. They are located along the coast of the Bay of Bengal and are often affected by cyclones.
NDRF -: NDRF stands for National Disaster Response Force. It is a specialized force in India that responds to natural and man-made disasters to help save lives and provide relief.
Military forces -: Military forces refer to the army, navy, and air force of a country. In emergencies like cyclones, they help with rescue operations and provide support to affected people.
