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Railways, Commerce and Industry, and Consumer Affairs Minister Piyush Goyal, along with Petroleum and Steel Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday interacted with the industry leaders on preparedness for Cyclone Yaas.

The meeting was also attended by the senior officers of the India Meteorological Department, the National Disaster Management Authority, the Shipping Ministry, the Railways, and various state governments.

According to the IMD, the depression over east central Bay of Bengal is very likely to move slowly north-north-westwards and intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal near north Odisha and West Bengal coasts by May 26 morning. It is very likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands by evening of 26th May as a very severe cyclonic storm.

The NDMA informed that pre-emptive measures have already been taken to minimise the loss of lives and property. All agencies have been put on high alerts and they are working in close coordination to undertake rescue and relief operations. Preparatory meetings with the departments concerned and state governments have been held. All the fishing boats have been brought to the shore.

Director General, Shipping informed that they and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways have set up control rooms, and advisories are being sent four times in a day. Steps are being taken as per the guidelines and SOPs.

Railway authorities informed that passenger trains will be cancelled from Tuesday onwards in the areas likely to be worst affected, and the freight trains will also be regulated when the wind speed picks up. Railways has already moved the emergency equipment and relief materials to strategic places, and the restoration work will be done at the earliest. The movement of Oxygen Expresses from Rourkela will continue through alternative routes.

State government officials apprised about the steps taken by them to reduce the impact of Cyclone Yaas, and their preparedness for undertaking rescue, relief and rehabilitation in their respective areas. They said measures have been taken to ensure smooth supply of essential goods, particularly for medical supplies. They have also issued advisories and instructions for the purpose.

Industry representatives said that sharing of timely information gives them enough confidence to cope with the situation, adding that the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among all the stakeholders will help in reducing the impact of such natural disasters.

They also said that steps being taken by various agencies makes them feel that they shall be able to face the situation in an effective manner. They also made several suggestions, which they felt could help in reducing the hardships.

Goyal said that Central and state governments are working hand in hand and undertaking orderly planning to ensure that there is minimal loss to people and property. He said that with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, the recent super cyclone Tauktae was well-handled, and expressed the hope that Cyclone Yaas is also overcome.

Noting that industry participants can play an important role in ensuring this, he urged that relief supplies should be properly channelised, minimum outages of communication and electricity ensured, mobile and torches kept fully charged, and diesel generator sets fully stocked up with fuel.

He also called for constant monitoring of the situation, supporting the healthcare workers, and also all those in distress.

Pradhan assured that the supply of liquid medical oxygen from eastern India to the rest of the country will not be affected. He said that his ministry as made full assessment of various oil and gas installations, ships, docks etc in the area, and learning from recent experience, has taken all precautionary steps to ensure minimal damage.

Mandaviya said that meeting with the industry before Cyclone Tauktae helped the authorities as well as the industry. Better awareness, availability of information and coordination helped in minimising the losses and everyone was better prepared to handle the situation. He said this helped in taking preemptive steps, and also take post-cyclone relief, rescue and rehabilitation steps in an effective manner.