Assam prepares for cyclone ‘Remal’, extremely heavy rainfall predicted

Guwahati: The Assam government has taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens in light of the impending increase in rainfall and wind speeds due to cyclone ‘Remal,’ which will make landfall on Sunday, May 26, at West Bengal and Bangladesh, and move northwards towards the Northeast.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of extremely heavy rainfall over Assam along with other Northeastern states on Monday, May 27 and Tuesday, May 28.

‘Orange Alert’ has been issued for Assam’s Dhubri, South Salmara, Bongaigaon, Bajali, Tamulpur, Barpeta, Nalbari, Morigaon, Nagaon, Hojai and West Karbi Anglong districts, and ‘Red Alert’ for extremely heavy rainfall in Chirang, Goalpara, Baksa, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts, the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) said in a statement.

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Squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are likely over South Assam and Meghalaya on Monday.

The ASDMA has ramped up preparations along with other departments, agencies and district administrations to face any eventualities arising out of heavy rainfall and winds due to cyclone Remal, it said.

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Nodal officers from ASDMA and the Revenue & Disaster Management department convened a series of meetings with all the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) on Saturday, May 25, to review the state of preparedness of the DDMAs for the situation that might arise out of Remal, it added.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are already prepositioned in Cachar, Bongaigaon and Dibrugarh. The Fire & Emergency Services (F&ES) headquarters have kept all the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams and fire stations fully prepared, it said.  

The ASDMA has directed all the DDMAs to review the situation, and as per need, plying of boats may be regulated in the mainstream of the Brahmaputra river on Monday and Tuesday, particularly in Dhubri, Goalpara, South Salmara-Mankachar, Bongaigaon and Barpeta districts, and Barak and Kushiyara rivers in Barak valley districts, it added.

The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has ensured the desiltation of major river channels like Bharalu, Bahini, Basistha, Mora Bharalu and Lakhimijan along with other major drains. Super sucker machines and pumps with additional manpower have been mobilised as well. GMC is also closely monitoring the areas, including the Hathigaon-Wireless-Sijubari area, Chandmari-GNB road, and Rukminigaon, among others, which have faced water logging issues in the past, it said.  

Further, anticipatory evacuation of vulnerable populations from landslide-prone areas in Kamrup Metropolitan (Guwahati), Kamrup, Dima Hasao, Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi,  Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts may also be considered, it added.

The health department has been alerted and necessary action regarding the availability of emergency medicines, health facilities staff and necessary communication as per the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the action plan for flood has been activated. The power department has formed a central monitoring team at the circle level for monitoring and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) under a sub-division with a team leader for each QRT, it said.

The forest department along with the officials of DDMAs had also served notices to the illegally encroached areas and instructed the inhabitants to shift to a safer zone. The Panchayat & Rural Development (PNRD) department has been instructed to engage with the community members for effective response and take help of the women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as well. The Assam Public Works Department (APWD) will be keeping a close eye on the ongoing construction activities and areas susceptible to landslides, it further said.

The irrigation department has issued instructions to keep the regulator gates open to ensure free flow of high flood water. While all the government departments are fully geared up to deal with any situation, the people in general are advised to take the following precautions carefully:

. Avoid going to water logging areas.

. Avoid staying in a vulnerable structure.

. Provide proper drainage in the cropped field since heavy rainfall is expected.

. Propping of the vegetable pandals is recommended.

. Take shelter during thunderstorms and lightning activities.

. In case of emergency, call toll-free numbers 112/1070/1077.

. Do not venture out unless advised to evacuate.

. Farmers should avoid going to agricultural fields or open grounds during the period of alert.

. Fishermen are advised not to venture out into the water bodies and rivers. They should keep boats and rafts tied up in a safer place.

. Avoid taking shelter near old and damaged buildings or trees.

. Do not touch power lines as one may get electrocuted.

. Talk to children and explain about cyclones without scaring them. 

. Keep the valuables and documents in waterproof containers.

. Keep information about your blood group.

. Keep lanterns filled with kerosene and keep candles, matchboxes, torches and spare batteries ready.

. Take special care of the persons with disabilities, aged and children.

. Store at least a seven-day stock of essential food materials including dry ration.

 . Listen to warning bulletins and keep in touch with local officials.

. If you have to evacuate the house, take steps to protect your assets.

. Store extra drinking water in covered vessels.