File Photo: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal Government has sounded a 'high alert' in south Bengal following forecast of strong wind today coupled with heavy to very heavy rain under the influence of deep depression over North East Bay of Bengal.
"The state government has taken all precautionary measures and is ready to tackle any situation due to gusty wind and heavy rains. We have already sounded high alert," state Irrigation Minister Rajib Banerjee said after reviewing the situation in a meeting.
"We are alert to cope with the situation in case of gusty wind and heavy rainfall in the next two days. The Task Force set up by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for the purpose is continuously monitoring the situation ... Concerned with the forecast, the CM has already cut short her trip to London by a day and is returning here in the afternoon tomorrow," the minister said.
Engineers have been asked to open camp offices at different vulnerable points and keep themselves ready to cope with the situation. Disaster management teams have also been asked to keep themselves ready to tackle the situation, the minister said.
Meanwhile, several places under different districts of the state have already received heavy rainfall since last night, Ms Banerjee said.
According to the forecast, a strong northwest to northerly wind at a speed between 55 km and 65 km per hour gusting to 75 km per hour is likely tomorrow under the influence of deep depression over north east Bay of Bengal.
The Meteorological department has also warned of heavy to very heavy rain at few places with extremely heavy rain at isolated places in Gangetic West Bengal.
Heavy rain also might occur at isolated places over Darjeeling and Jalpaiguri districts of sub Himalayan West Bengal, the forecast said adding the sea could even turn very rough and high along West Bengal coast.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture in to the sea during next 72 hours. Local Cautionary Symbol number III has also kept hoisted at Hooghly port.
"District magistrates have also been asked to take prompt action in case of any damages or inundation and keep ready relief materials to meet the requirement," the minister said.