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.
