Chief Secretary Dr. Ravi Kota Reviews Cyclone Remal Preparedness in Assam Amid Heavy Rainfall and Winds
Guwahati, May 29, 2024: Dr. Ravi Kota, IAS, Chief Secretary, Assam today comprehensively reviewed the preparedness and response in the affected districts in the State in view of the ongoing Remal cyclone with heavy rainfall and winds. The Government of Assam has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its people in light of the impending increase in rainfall and wind speeds due to the storm.
The Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) is monitoring the situation closely along with the districts and coordinating with all the departments and response agencies to face any eventualities.
In a high level meeting held at Dispur, Chief Secretary Dr. Kota took stock of the district level preparedness from the District Commissioners (DCs) and Superintendent of Police (SP) through video conference in presence of DGP G P Singh and seniormost secretaries of the response departments. To ensure the safety and well-being of the people, Chief Secretary instructed the district administrations to keep the ferry services suspended till 12:00 noon of May 29, 2024 across the State. He also instructed NHAI and NHIDCL to ensure restoration of road communication in the affected districts with reinforcement of men and machineries particularly in Dima Hasao District and Barak Valley.
Gyanendra Dev Tripathi, IAS, Principal Secretary, Revenue & DM, explained the state level preparedness done in advance to minimize the impact of cyclone and also briefed about the current situation. He highlighted that Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Dima Hasao, West Karbi Anglong, Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, Hojai and Golaghat are the red alert districts and urged upon regulation of schools, fishing, dissuade going out for agricultural activities, evacuation of vulnerable population, prompt payments of ex-gratia and treatment of injured, keeping communication channels open (mobility, voice and data), prompt restoration of electricity and timely assessment of damages.
Till now, 3 human lives have been lost (one each in Morigaon, Kamrup and Kamrup Metro district) and 17 injured (in Morigaon and Sonitpur districts) due to the storm.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that the situation is likely to improve within next 24 hours including decrease in rainfall and wind speed.
Representatives from Railways, CWC, BSNL, NHAI, NHIDCL, NEEPCO, NESAC and APDCL also presented update regarding the current situation and measures undertaken by them and plan of action for the immediate repair and restoration of their facilities/infrastructure at the earliest.
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