Cyclone DAYE in Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh: NDMA issues PSA, cites safety and evacuation guidelines during cyclonic storm

Cyclonic storm DAYE crossed the coast near Gopalpur in Odisha early Friday, triggering heavy downpour accompanied by high-velocity wind in several parts of the state.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a warning on Thursday for southern Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh. In an official release at 6 pm, the IMD said there is a deep depression over west central Bay of Bengal which was likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 60-70 kmph in next 12 hours.

The cyclone alert also includes safety measures for cyclone-hit areas, as issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). As per the NDMA guidelines, action in the event of a cyclone threat can broadly be divided into four categories: immediately before the cyclone season, when cyclone alerts and warnings are communicated, when evacuations are advised, when the cyclone has crossed the coast

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Here are the NDMA dos and don’ts to follow in case of a cyclone:

Before the cyclone season:

• Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of doors and windows
• Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house; anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards etc. which can fly in strong winds
• Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be boarded if needed
• Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery operated torches and enough dry cells
• Demolish condemned buildings
• Keep some extra batteries for transistors
• Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in emergency

When the cyclone starts:

• Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather warnings).
• Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you prepare for a cyclone emergency.
• Pass the information to others.
• Ignore rumours and do not spread them; this will help to avoid panic situations.
• Believe in the official information
• When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal working but stay alert to the radio warnings.
• Stay alert for the next 24 hours as a cyclone alert means that the danger is within 24 hours.

When your area is under cyclone warning get away from low-lying beaches or other low-lying areas close to the coast:

• Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets flooded
• Do not delay and run the risk of being marooned
• If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in the safe part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do not hesitate to leave the place.
• Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place.
• Provide strong suitable support for outside doors.
• If you do not have wooden boards handy, paste paper strips on glasses to prevent splinters. However, this may not avoid breaking windows.
• Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels.
• If you have to evacuate the house move your valuable articles to upper floors to minimize flood damage.
• Ensure that your hurricane lantern, torches or other emergency lights are in working condition and keep them handy.
• Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should be stored safely in a room.
• Be sure that a window and door can be opened only on the side opposite to the one facing the wind.
• Make provision for children and adults requiring special diet.
• If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.
• Switch off the electrical mains in your house.
• Remain calm.

When evacuation is instructed:

• Pack essentials for yourself and your family to last a few days. These should include medicines, special food for babies and children or elders.
• Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for your area.
• Do not worry about your property
• At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge.
• Remain in the shelter until you are informed to leave

Post-cyclone measures:

• You should remain in the shelter until informed that you can return to your home.
• You must get inoculated against diseases immediately.
• Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
• If you have to drive, do drive carefully.
• Clear debris from your premises immediately.
• Report the correct losses to appropriate authorities.

Follow LIVE updates on Cyclone DAYE here