Surat civic teams prepare to tackle cyclone impact

Surat: In wake of cyclone Biparjoy, Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) has put all emergency services teams on alert. The civic body canceled the leaves of its employees till Monday. Monitoring of coastal areas by SMC staff, police, and district collector office too was intensified.Meanwhile, Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) received 25 calls of tree uprooting due to strong winds. The wind speed was recorded at 60 kmph in a coastal area which is further likely to increase.Rescue teams have been put on alert at 18 fire stations in the city. A total of 32 boats, 600 rescue jackets and 74 electric chainsaws have been kept ready.SMC’s garden department trimmed trees that could suffer damage due to strong winds. A total of 20 trees were cut down to prevent accidents. Concerned agencies were also instructed to remove advertisement hoardings. The Surat civic body also instructed residents of dilapidated buildings to evacuate the structure and shift to a safer location. Shelter homes have also been prepared to shift people in times of emergency.The funfair organized at Athwa Gate has been closed till the situation turns normal. Hazira-Ghogha ferry service was suspended for a couple of days.“We have taken necessary steps to ensure the safety of residents in coastal areas. In the current situation, there will not be a major impact in Surat district,” said a district collector official.