Chennai: India’s prime maritime agency Coast Guard has acted swiftly and ensured nil loss of of sea during the Cyclone Michuang, which touched the North Tamil Nadu Coast causing unprecedented rains, before making a landfall in Andhra Pradesh, while also ensuring return of 3,000 boats from the sea to the shore in both the States.
In all eight ICG Ships and two Aircraft were deployed during the cyclone which braved the rough seas and valiantly patrolled the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to ensure safe return of approximately 3,000 boats to harbour.
The ICG also ensured the safety of all personnel manning the oil rigs in KG basin, besides advising hundreds of merchant vessels in area.
With the persistent efforts, ICG ensured nil loss of life and property at sea during Cyclone Michaung.
Defence sources said Cyclone Michaung formed up in southeast Bay of Bengal, passed parallel to the north Tamil Nadu coast at a distance of 20-30 km and made landfall between Nellore and Machlipatnam on Tuesday battering the coastline with devastating damages.
The Coast Guard being the prime maritime agency for Safety Security and Environment Protection in Indian Waters undertook proactive actions to ensure timely pre-emptive measures in response to the disaster, which included issuing advisory to all stakeholders well in advance November 27, 2023), when the system started forming in Southeast Bay of Bengal.
It also issued regular updates on developing weather and predicted track was disseminated to stakeholders apart from sending advisory to Fisheries Department asking fishermen not to ventured into sea.
The Coast Guard Ships at sea also advised all fishing boats to return to the nearest harbour and its Radar stations along the coast continuously broadcasted advisories to all mariners through VHF radio.
“Oil Handling agencies were advised to shift rigs/platforms to safe locations and undertake necessary evacuation. All Ports were advised to shift vessels to safer berths and sail vessels at anchorage away from the path of cyclone and ICG Disaster Response teams were formed and deputed to aid civil authority”, the sources said. .
The ICG maintained necessary coordination with the State Disaster Management Agency (SDMA) and Greater Chennai Corporation for any HADR assistance.
