Indian Coast Guard is ready in all respects to undertake search, rescue and Relief operations in the aftermath of the Cyclone ‘NIVAR’. ICG has deployed about 8-9 ships and two Dornier aircraft every day since 22 Nov 20 on the Eastern Seaboard to issue warnings in vernacular language to the fishermen and mariners at sea of the impending adverse weather condition due to the passage of ‘NIVAR’ and requesting them to return to nearest ports for safety. The ICG has so far escorted about2500 fishing boats operating at sea to nearest ports and all Merchant vessels at Port anchorages were also advised to keep clear from the path of cyclone.
Indian Coast Guard commenced its pre-emptive actions with the issuance of Advisory to the local administration, fisheries and fishermen association about formation of low pressure over the south east Bay of Bengal. In addition, Ports were requested to shift the vessels at anchorage to safer locations well before the arrival of the cyclone. Navtex warnings and International safety Net (ISN) were activated with 6 hourly request to the merchant vessels transiting the area to advise the fishermen to return to harbour.23 Coast Guard Disaster Relief Teams (DRTs) with inflatable boats, Life buoys and lifejackets has been kept standby all along the Tamil Nadu and East Coast for undertaking Disaster response operations. Medical teams & ambulances have also been kept standby for swift mobilisation.ICG ships and aircraft continue to carry out area patrol for Search and rescue operation post passage of the cyclone.The pre-emptive actions initiated by the ICG has ensured ‘No Loss of life and property at sea’ during the cyclone. ICG, true to its motto ‘Vyam Rakshamah” meaning “We Protect” has saved more than 123 lives at sea during and aftermath of cyclone NIVAR.