In anticipation of Severe Cyclone “DANA,” the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has initiated comprehensive safety measures to safeguard the port, vessels, and personnel. The Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Shantanu Thakur, chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), Directorate General of Shipping, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Shri Thakur emphasized the need for coordinated action to mitigate the impact of the cyclone on maritime operations and ensure the safety of port personnel and vessels. Shri Thakur praised the proactive measures taken by the concerned agencies and urged them to stay vigilant in monitoring the situation as the cyclone intensifies.
The cyclone, currently centered over the East-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify and make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal on the night of 24th October, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
To ensure preparedness, all vessels alongside berths are to be ready with proper trim and stability, and their main engines prepared for sea by noon on 23rd October 2024. Vessels with light draft have been instructed to take on heavy weather ballast. Additionally, vessels at Paradip Anchorage are to move to a safe sea area by 23rd October evening, while Coast Guard vessels inside the harbour are to either secure for heavy weather or relocate to safer areas.
