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NDRF Deploys Teams in Five States as Cyclone NearsTeams on Alert Ahead of the Cyclone

  • Writer: Anjali Regmi
    Anjali Regmi
  • Oct 29
  • 4 min read

The central government has put several disaster-response teams on standby in parts of India as a strong cyclone nears the coast. The national agency responsible for disaster response has moved in to ensure that rescue and relief operations can start quickly once the storm makes landfall. In five states where the coast or low-lying regions are vulnerable the teams are already in place.

The idea is simple. When a cyclone develops over the sea and moves towards land, wind, rain, flooding and storm surge all become threats. If people are still in unsafe places when the storm hits, the danger becomes greater. By deploying emergency teams early the aim is to reduce loss of life, evacuate people in time and provide help immediately.

For the residents of the coastal states this early mobilization offers some comfort. Seeing ready teams, boats and equipment gives a sense of preparedness. Yet at the same time the storm serves as a reminder of how vulnerable large swathes of the coastline remain.


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What Has Been Done So Far

The disaster-response force has placed dozens of teams across states along the coast and in vulnerable inland zones. These teams are equipped with boats, cutters, communication devices and other rescue gear. The local state disaster‐management departments are coordinating with them to move people out from flood prone areas, set up shelters and ensure basic supplies.

Officials have issued alerts in districts likely to feel the impact. They have urged people living in low lying zones, in houses made of weak material and in areas prone to waterlogging, to move to safer shelters well before the storm hits. Parts of the railway network and port operations in the region have been alerted to suspend services if necessary.

Public advisories also tell fishermen not to head into the sea, warn of high winds and heavy rain and ask people to stay indoors when the worst weather arrives. All this early work helps reduce the risk of disaster.

Why Preparation Matters

If the cyclone strikes without warning, the problems multiply. People may be trapped in homes without proper protection. Roads could get blocked by fallen trees or flooding. Power lines may get snapped, communications may fail and rescue may take much longer. With early deployment of teams, evacuations can be done calmly instead of in panic. It is always better to act before things go wrong.

In past events the hardest losses came not just from wind but from water, from rivers overflowing, storm surge pushing inland, drainage systems being overwhelmed. Planning ahead gives authorities a chance to seal off vulnerable spots, reinforce structures and mobilize resources. For citizens the message becomes clear: the weather is serious and we must act now.

A New Twist: External Tensions as Another Concern

While much of the focus is on the cyclone, there is a parallel development on the diplomatic front. The neighbouring country Pakistan has accused India of using external platforms to exact revenge or pressure in regional conflicts. Their defence minister claimed that certain states or territories neighbouring Pakistan are being used by India as tools to pressurise Islamabad. He warned that any aggression towards Pakistan would invite a strong response, many times over, and said that the current environment is close to a low-intensity war.

While this is separate from the cyclone preparation, it adds to the tension in the region. In one sense it shows how a country must manage internal hazards like natural disasters and at the same time remain alert to external conflicts or security issues. For citizens living near borders or in vulnerable zones the combination of weather threat and geopolitical tension can heighten anxiety.

Why Both Matters for Ordinary People

For someone living in a coastal district the arrival of the cyclone is a direct threat to life, home and livelihood. Imagine heavy rain for hours, winds tearing off roofs, water entering homes, roads becoming impassable. The early arrival of rescue teams can make a difference between a safe shelter and a tragic loss.

On the other hand, when international tensions rise, resources may be diverted, focus may shift and the public may feel less secure. If the neighbouring country accuses you of aggression you may see movement of army or air force, additional restrictions or even economic effects. That can distract from disaster preparedness, limit mobility or scare people into focusing on one threat while ignoring another.

Therefore the state’s task is two-fold: to ensure safety from the weather event and to maintain calm and readiness on the diplomatic/security side. For the individual this means staying informed, following evacuation orders, having a plan for shelter, and staying aware of any developments in local safety or security advisories.

What You Can Do

• Follow official bulletins from disaster management authorities in your state. • If you live in a vulnerable area such as near the coast, in a low-lying zone, or in a house that may not withstand high winds, make a plan to move to a safer shelter. • Keep an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, torch, medicines, battery phone charger and some food. • Do not listen to rumours. Use reliable sources to know when the storm will hit, which area is under threat and what to do next. • Respect evacuation orders and cooperate with authorities. Staying behind may risk rescue teams’ lives and slow down response. • At the same time remain aware of any security advisories given by local government or border agencies. If there is rising tension, stay in communication and be prepared for changes.

Final Thoughts

Natural disasters and human conflicts both test a society’s resilience. The good news is, in this case, the government has taken visible steps to prepare for the storm. The deployment of rescue teams ahead of time, the alerts issued, and equipment brought in show that the threat is being taken seriously. That helps reduce risk.

The challenge remains: ensure that when the cyclone arrives and after it passes, the response is swift and effective, that people are not left stranded and that relief reaches them quickly. At the same time, diplomatic tensions must be managed so that attention, resources and public trust are not eroded.

For everyone in the affected states, this is the moment to stay alert, to follow instructions, to take the threat seriously and to help each other. Nature will test us, yes. But how well we respond depends on readiness, not luck.


 
 
 

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