Ensure evacuation from high-risk areas, PM directs officials

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, May 23

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asked officials concerned to ensure early evacuation of those involved in offshore activities in view of the impending Cyclone “Yaas” and directed that the restoration time of outages of power supply and communication network should be as less as possible.

Chairing a high-level review meeting on the preparedness of states and Central government agencies to deal with the situation arising out of “Yaas”, Modi asked officials to work in close coordination with states to ensure safe evacuation of people from high-risk areas, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in an official statement.

The minister also stressed the need to have proper coordination and planning with local governments to ensure that no disruption is caused to Covid-19 treatment and vaccination drive in the affected states.

He suggested that the officials should involve various stakeholders like coastal communities and industries, directly reach out to them and sensitising them.

The Ministry of Home Affairs is reviewing the situation and is in touch with the state governments, union territories and the Central agencies concerned.

It has already released the first instalment of the SDRF in advance to all states. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned 46 teams, which are equipped with boats, tree-cutters and telecom equipment in five states and UT.

In addition, 13 teams were airlifted on Sunday for deployment and 10 teams have been kept on standby, the PMO noted.