Agartala, Oct 22, 2022, TRIPURATIMES Desk
Agartala, Oct 22: Tripura government was bracing itself to meet the anticipated thunderstorms and heavy (64.5-115.5 mm) to very heavy (115.6-204.4 mm) rainfall that the IMD had predicted on October 24 and October 25- which would coincide Deepavali celebrations.
Following the IMD warning, which said a massive gathering Low Pressure Area over north Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea and Southeast Bay of Bengal with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 7.6 Km above mean sea level is expected to pass over the state on Monday and Tuesday, all the District Magistrates were alerted and asked to take all necessary and adequate measures to meet the impending cyclone hit and heavy rainfall.
The IMD predicted that while the storm and rains would fall on October 24 that is on Monday , the next day on October 25 – Tuesday, its intensity would be more. According to the the IMD bulleting while all the district will witness heavy rains and cyclonic storms for two days –worst hit will be on Octoober 25 the most affected areas would be Sepahijala, Gomati, South Tripura, Dhalai districts where thunderstorm with lightning and heavy to very heavy rains.
A crash message from the Civil secretariat was already issued on Friday. Apart from that all concerned authorities and agencies including AMC, NDRF and other Disaster managements related entities were put on high gear. They were all asked to keep relief and rescue facilities ready and ensure other measures to meet the eventualities, likely waterlogging, swollen river, uprooted trees and lampposts, snapped up power wires, disrupted power and water supply etc.
Apart from that, the the IMD and other associated agencies had already sounded warning signal and asked the citizens to remain prepared and take all precautiobnery measures. The Dos and Don’t’s during the storm and heavy to very heavy rains were also issued for the public awareness.
A crash message had already been sent to all the District Magistrates by Additional Secretary P Acharjee for the impending ‘Extreme weather predictions for heavy rainfall” and asking them to be fully and adequately prepared to the meet the situation.
The Crash message said : ..there will be heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated daces on 24 and 25 October 2022 due to low pressure in Bay of Bengal. IMD Agartala Centre is issuing special bulletin for the purpose frequently in accordance to the cloud movements. Heavy rains and thunderstorms may affect this Diwali festival. However, looking at the current situation, may follow the impact-based advisories of IMD and take up following measures:
1. Assess the situation regularly, alert NDRF/SDRF/TSR/Fire & ES /Trained Volunteers and QRTs and identify the locations where to respond. If needed, press them to action immediately. 2. Keep ready the equipment like boats, life jackets and other flood rescue items. 3. Monitoring of river flows, embankments and catchment areas and take immediate preventive and preparedness measures. 4. Evacuate people from low lying areas to the safe shelters and start providing relief if needed. 5. Start operating pumps in inundated areas to extract flood water. 6. Make immediate damage assessment and report to SEOC by 2PM along with information of action taken. 7. Response teams/ line depts to take immediate action for removing debris and restoring essential services. 8. Depute officers / key officials for specific response. 9. If needed, keep standby trained volunteers for rescue, relief etc. 10. Need based response to be taken up immediately as per disaster management plan. 11. Nahush Kulkarni, Director, IMD, Agartala, Mob No. 7588577185 may be contacted for any weather-related information.
The IMD in its bulletin said: A Low Pressure Area lies over north Andaman Sea and adjoining areas of south Andaman Sea & Southeast Bay of Bengal with the associated cyclonic circulation extending upto 7.6 Km above mean sea level.
It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and concentrate into a Depression over eastcentral & adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal around 22nd October and moving northwestwards intensify further into a Deep Depression on 23rd October. Subsequently, it is very likely to recurve north-northeastwards and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm over west central & adjoining east central Bay of Bengal by 24th October. Thereafter, it is likely to continue to move gradually north northeastwards and reach near West Bengal- Bangladesh coasts on 25th October, skirting Odisha coast. Under its influence fairly widespread/widespread rainfall accompanied with heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely to occur over the northeastern states during 24-25 October 2022.
Under its influence, widespread rainfall accompanied with thunderstorm/lightning/ heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely to continue over Tripura during 24 to 25 October 2022
The IMD also issued precautionaery measures for the citizens to avoid death or injury from Danger during Thunderstorms.
Lightning take quite a few lives and injures many every year. Quite a Large number of injuries occur from eLectric shock received whiLe using fixed teLephones during thunderstorms.
If the sound of thunder is heard 10 seconds after a Lightning flash, it is only about three kilometres away. The shorter the time, the closer the lightning, is dangerous.
Shelter should be in a hardtop (metal-bodied) vehicle or solid building but avoid small open structures or fabric tents. Taking shelter under a small group of (or single) trees is not safe. If far from any shelter, crouch Low, feet together, preferably in a hollow, remove metal objects from head/ body. Staying in open place, may result harmful. Flying kites during thunderstorms may be harmful. Handling fishing rods, umbrellas or metal rods, etc is dangerous. Stay away from metal poles, fences etc. Traveling by open vehicles may be dangerous.
If driving, slow down or park away from trees, power lines, stay inside metal-bodied (hard top) vehicles or in a pucca building but do not touch any metal sections.
IMD said, Heavy Rainfall may cause water logging in low lying areas, localized flooding of roads and closure of underpasses in some localities Community services like electricity, water etc might get affected. Power outage in some localities was also expected. While drains may over flow, vulnerable structure may get damaged. Major damage to Kutchha houses/roads/walls and huts were also anticipated. Slum areas along railway track, river and drain may get severely affected while traffic snarls due to slippery roads and low visibility at some places lead to increased travel time.It may lead to riverine flooding in the catchment areas. Damage to horticulture crop, plantation and Kharif crops like rice, maizr, pearl millet, black gram etc were also expected. Rain may lead to crop lodging, so can destroy crop and quality of grain may also affect in the above areas.
Action suggested by the authorities:
People may shift from low lying areas to safer place. Avoid going to areas that faces water logging problems often. Avoid staying in vulnerable structures. Check for traffic congestion on your route especially to the central parts of the city before start your journey.
Thunderstorm “Impact and Response Matrix ”
Strong wind and hail may damage to plantation, horticulture and standing crops Hail may injure people and cattle at open place. Partial/Major damage to vulnerable structures due to strong winds. Minor/Major damage to kutcha houses/walls and huts. Loose object like rooftop may be damage/fly. Community services may be affected. Partial/Major damage to power & communication line. Trees may uproot, breaking of branches and major damage to papaya and Banana trees. Action suggested Stay indoors, close windows & doors and avoid travel if possible. Avoid staying in vulnerable structures.
Take safe shelters, do not take shelter under trees. Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls. Unplug electrical/ electronic appliances Immediately get out of water bodies. Keep away from all the objects that conduct electricity. Farming operations may be suspended during the event.