Cyclone Yaas-Depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression: Current Affairs Special Series

Team Adda247 and BankersAdda are here with a Current Affairs Special Series. In this series, candidates will be introduced to current affairs topics daily, which will not only improve their general awareness but also will ensure that the candidates do not lack in any current affairs topic. Today’s Current Affairs topic is Cyclone Yaas-Depression over the Bay of Bengal intensifies into a deep depression.

Cyclone Yaas-Depression over Bay of Bengal intensifies into deep depression

The depression over the East Central Bay of Bengal is going to be intensified into a deep depression. It is likely to deepen into a cyclonic storm today (i.e.24 may) and further into a very severe cyclonic storm the day after. IMD (Indian Meteorological Department) believed that it lied centered at about 540 kilometers south-southeast of Paradeep in Odisha. 

The preliminary cyclonic forecast is suggesting that a wind speed between 120 to 165 kilometers per hour, heavy to very heavy rainfall between 250 to 300 millimeters and accompanying storm surges between 3 to 4 meters, the Odisha Government is ready with all the pre-action plans to face the probable cyclone, should the landfall happen anywhere near the North Odisha coast. 

The government would give priority to prompt evacuation of vulnerable people in vulnerable places, including those living in low lying areas, the government has also made adequate arrangements for cyclone shelters with necessary logistics, and focus is also being made to ensure the smooth functioning of Covid-19 facilities in the areas likely to be affected by the impending cyclone. 22 NDRF, 66 ODRAF, and 177 fire fighting teams have already in their positions for rescue relief and restoration operations.  

There is the possibility of heavy rains and storms across the Gangetic West Bengal including Kolkata. The meteorological department has prohibited fishermen from going to sea for any activity. The state administration is accelerated its preparations to deal with the cyclone. The Unified Command Agency will start work from today (i.e. 24 May).

Army-NDRF-BSNL officials along with Public Works Department and CESC officials have set up a special team to deal with the disaster. Coastal areas are being supervised by drones and 32 NDRF teams have reached the state. 

Indian Air Force has airlifted around 950 (NDRF) National Disaster Response Force personnel and 70 tonnes of load from Jamnagar, Varanasi, Patna and Arakonnam to Kolkata, Bhubaneswar and Port Blair in 15 Transport Aircraft. Naval Aircraft and Helicopters in Vishakhapatnam and Port Blair are on operational readiness for undertaking search and rescue missions.

Indian Navy has provided 10 Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, HADR pallets to Bhubaneswar and Kolkata, while 5 HADR pallets are ready at Port Blair. 

Defence Ministry said that 16 transport aircraft and 26 helicopters are on standby for deployment immediately. It said, the Armed Forces are in continuously in touch with the civil administration of the affected states.