Vigil on coastal areas of Bengal as heavy rain alert remains

Suman Mondal, Monotosh Chakraborty & Sujoy Khanra / TNN / Updated: Dec 5, 2021, 05:45 IST

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Vigil on coastal areas of Bengal as heavy rain alert remains

The promenade and beach in Digha have been made out of bounds for tourists and locals

EAST MIDNAPORE/SOUTH 24 PARGANAS: There was a collective sigh of relief across the coastal areas of Bengal as Cyclone Jawad weakened into a deep depression. But the administration refused to lower the guards.
“Cyclone Jawad is no longer as strong as predicted and it is weakening. But we remain vigilant in coastal districts as the possibility of heavy rain persists,” said a state official on Saturday evening.Digha wore the look of a typical pre-cyclone day, with an overcast sky, deserted beach, constant drizzle and occasional gusty winds. The administration is on alert, geared up to prevent any untoward incident. The cyclonic storm, along with high tide, may deluge a large area, fears the East Midnapore district administration.

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It is imperative that tourists heed the advisory and the warnings being issued by the administration. The administration and locals should be able to focus on more serious work, like minimising damage to crops and property, instead of monitoring tourists indulging in irresponsible behaviour.

Hoteliers and tour operators in Digha claimed to have suffered huge losses this weekend. The beach is cordoned off and NDRF units are keeping an eye on the possible direction of the cyclonic storm. M Kalairajan, inspector of the second battalion, said, “We have been warning locals and tourists against going near the sea.” Fisheries minister Akhil Giri visited Digha and nearby areas and met fishery owners. “We are trying our best to prevent loss of life and property,” he said. People from low lying areas of Jalda, Chandpur, Jamra and Shyampur have been asked to be ready in case they have to be evacuated.

In South 24 Parganas, NDRF and SDRF units patrolled Namkhana, Patharpratima and Kakdwip. Nearly 14,000 people have been moved from low lying areas there and Gosaba and Sagar to safer places. Sagar MLA and minister Bankim Hazra said, “The rain has stopped and the sky looks clear, but we are prepared for any eventuality.” BDOs and police in Gosaba have been advising people not to step out of homes. Fishermen have been warned against venturing out. “We have 19 flood centres and 70 schools ready,” said Biswanath Chowdhury, BDO, Gosaba. So far, 8,000 people have been moved out.
The rain has been incessant in West Midnapore, where the authorities have issued an orange alert and opened a control room. “Flood relief centres are open in Ghatal, Chandrakona, Kharagpur, Daton, Belda, Narayangarh and Keshiyari,” said DM Rashmi Kamal.

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