Indian Coast Guard says it ensured nil loss of life at sea during cyclone Michaung

CHENNAI: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) braved the rough seas during cyclone Michaung and deployed eight ships and two aircraft to patrol the coastal waters of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Due to the proactive efforts of the prime maritime agency since November 27, there was no loss of life or property at sea, said an ICG statement on Thursday.

The ICG ensured the safe return of approximately 3,000 boats to their respective harbours. It also ensured the safety of more than 1,000 personnel manning the oil rigs in KG Basin. It advised merchant vessels in the area.

Disaster response teams were deployed from December 4 to 6 to mitigate and alleviate the sufferings of stranded personnel in Chennai. They were brought to safety and provided with food and basic necessities.

“The ICG issued an advisory to all stakeholders well in advance on November 27 when the system started forming up in South-East Bay of Bengal and thereafter followed up with regular updates on developing weather and predicted the cyclone track to all stakeholders. Advisory was issued to the department of fisheries to advice fishermen not to venture into sea. Coast Guard ships at sea advised all fishing boats to return to the nearest harbour. The Coast Guard radar stations along the coast continuously broadcast advisories to all mariners through VHF radio,” the statement said.

All ports on Tamil Nadu and Andhra coast had been advised to shift vessels to safer berths and sail vessels at anchorage away from the path of cyclone, it said. Oil-handling agencies were advised to shift rigs/platforms to safer locations and undertake necessary evacuation.

ICG disaster response teams were formed and deputed to aid civil authority. The teams worked in coordination with the state disaster management authority and the Greater Chennai Corporation.

“Because of ICG’s proactive action, in coordination with civil administration such as Coastal Security Group, department of fisheries, district collectors of coastal districts in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, it was ensured that no casualty happened at sea in terms of lives and properties,” the ICG said.

These measures were documented as standard operation procedures for disaster management in future, it added.