Cyclone Tauktae: Goa authorities gear up to tackle situation
The government machinery in Goa has put in place necessary measures to tackle the situation in view of the warning about Cyclone Tauktae, officials said on Saturday. As per the India Meteorological Department's prediction, Konkan and Goa are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall on May 15 and May 16 as the weather condition is likely to intensify due to Cyclone Tauktae.
800 emergency services personnel ready to handle things
The Goa Fire and Emergency Services said that it has kept its personnel ready to tackle the situation. "We have kept our force ready to face any kind of eventualities arising out of the cyclone. The Emergency Services, with its force of 800 personnel, has taken proactive steps in this regard," fire services director, Ashok Menon told PTI.
Authorities met on Friday to check preparedness for the storm
"The cyclonic winds and rains that lashed the state on Friday did not cause much damage," Menon said. The disaster management response forces of the South Goa and North Goa districts, led by respective collectors, held meetings on Friday to check the preparedness. According to officials, the impact of the cyclone is likely to be less severe, due to coronavirus-induced state-wide curfew.
Entire beach belt is currently empty: Ports Minister
State Ports Minister Michael Lobo said that the entire beach belt in this tourist state is currently empty. "Due to the curfew, all the restaurants and regular activities in the coastal belt are shut. People are also not allowed to move on the beaches. This will help in ensuring that the impact of the cyclone remains minimal," he said.
People told not to venture out during the weekend
Meanwhile, Sanguem Tehsil in South Goa witnessed several incidents of trees falling due to cyclonic winds on Friday. Sanguem MLA Prasad Gaonkar said that he has been personally requesting people not to venture out during the weekend given the cyclone warning.
