Indian Coast Guard’s preventive measures save many lives as Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Yaas’ makes landfall on Odisha coast

At the request of the West Bengal government, the Indian Coast Guard has deployed its Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) at Digha and Contai for assistance

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Yaas’ made landfall about 20 km south of Balasore on the Odisha coast on May 26, 2021. The extensive pre-emptive measures are undertaken by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) on the Eastern Seaboard and Andaman & Nicobar Islands bore fruit in saving lives and property. 

As part of the preventive measures, ICG ensured the safe return of 265 fishing boats that were out at sea. Further, as advised, ships at anchorage off Odisha and West Bengal coast had taken safe shelter and Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations were suspended. No report of any damage or loss has been received from any merchant ship. 

All the ashore, afloat and aviation units of the Indian Coast Guard are maintaining a high state of readiness on the eastern seaboard for any response measures arising in the aftermath of the storm. Three ICG ships, which were strategically positioned at sea for possible search and rescue missions, are approaching close to Odisha and West Bengal coast for carrying out close-to-coast situational assessment while also sanitizing the area. 

At the request of the West Bengal government, ICG has deployed its Disaster Relief Teams (DRT) at Digha and Contai for assistance. Indian Coast Guard’s Air Cushion Vehicle also rescued about 100 stranded people at Nayachara, West Bengal. The rescue operation is in progress. The ICG Disaster Response Team also assisted in the evacuation of locals at Contai. Other ICG DRTs with inflatable boats, lifebuoys, and lifejackets are also standing by across West Bengal & Odisha and being deployed as per the requirement raised by state authorities. Medical teams and ambulances have also been kept on standby for swift mobilization. 

A close liaison and coordination with the state administration, local authorities, ports, oil rig operators, shipping, fisheries authorities, fishermen associations, and other stakeholders are being maintained to ensure the safety of boats, vessels, fixed platforms, and other assets at sea.