Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on May 22 said that the government has directed deputy commissioners of all 11 districts to be on high alert and take all precautionary measures to deal with any eventuality arising out of cyclone Amphan.
“All District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been directed to identify temporary shelters for disaster-affected families in-line with the guidelines on COVID-19,” he said.
Replying to a call attention notice tabled by opposition Congress legislator Mayralborn Syiem on the state’s preparedness for Amphan cyclone and COVID-19 in the Assembly, the chief minister said dedicated cells are keeping a tab on the course of events.
Amphan has caused severe destruction in West Bengal and Odisha. The cyclone claimed at least 72 lives, rendered thousands homeless, uprooted electric poles and trees and flooded low-lying areas.
“An amount of Rs 20 lakh each has been given to the deputy commissioners to give them mobility and meet the exigencies urgently,” he said, adding that an advisory was also issued to them to activate all the teams such as rapid response team, evacuation team at the districts and the block levels to meet the challenges.
He informed the state emergency operation centre (SEOC) and all district emergency operation centre (DEOC) have been made fully operational with effect from March 21, for COVID-19 and the same operation is continuing for Amphan.
“The state disaster management force and fire and emergency services are on the alert to deal with emergencies that may arise anytime,” the chief minister said.
