As the Cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’ is expected to trigger heavy downpours accompanied by high-velocity wind in the locality, the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) “is fully geared up to meet any eventuality”, said PPT Chairman Vinit Kumar while interacting with PPT officials in a videoconference on Monday.
The drains in the locality have been cleared on a war footing in order to avoid any possible water-logging. Four teams of PPT with chain saws and pay loaders are ready to function roundclock during cyclone to clear roads due to possible uprooting of trees. As precautionary measures, no inward movement of ships was permitted from May 23. The port planned only outward movement of ships which was completed on May 24. All operations will be wound up and port was being cleared of all personnel by May 25 morning. All vessels were asked to pick up anchor and move to sea. All Coast Guard vessels and DCI dredger XX in the harbour were also instructed to move out to sea.
Other crafts and tugs which are going to stay in harbour will be manned round clock for attending their moorings with main engines ready for operation at any time. Equipments and machineries in under-construction areas will be secured. Harbour mobile cranes at all berths including PICT berth will also be secured. Tankers from SPM have already been cast off after flushing of pipelines. A control room is functioning round clock at Gate No. 4 from May 24 morning till the cyclone passes and normalcy is restored.
A medical team along with ambulance will be available to meet any medical emergencies.Five cyclone shelters have been activated, where around 2,000 people from local slums and low lying areas will be accommodated with social distancing norms. They will be provided with dry ration, cooked food items, drinking water, facemasks and sanitisers. In conformity with Chief Minister’s message, PPT Deputy Chairman AK Bose has stressed on zero loss of life during coming natural calamity.
