OCHA Situation Report No. 1
India - Cyclone 01A
25 May 2001


This message is not an official cyclone warning or alert for any country.

Situation

1.  According to a cyclone warning bulletin (No.11) issued by the India
Meteorological Department (IMD) at 1130 hrs (local time) on 25 May 2001, a
very severe cyclonic storm (Tropical Cyclone 01A) over the Arabian sea
remained practically stationary and lies centred about 500 km south
southwest of Veraval at 0830 hrs on 25 may. It has slightly weakened and
presently the maximum wind sped is 180-200 km/h.

2.  The bulletin indicates that the system is likely to move in a
north-northwesterly direction for some time but possibly recurve and cross
Gujarat coast between Veraval and Naliya by 26 May night/27 May morning.
Under its influence gale force winds reaching 65 to 75 km/h accompanied
with heavy to very heavy rains may commence. These gales may strengthen to
180 to 200 km/h in the central area of the storm around the time of
landfall. Storm surge of about 1.5 to 3.5 metres height above astronomical
tide level is expected near the point of landfall.


National Response

3.  The Control Room at the Indian Ministry of Agriculture has been
monitoring the situation since 22 May and requested the Chief Secretaries
of Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala and Karnataka to take all necessary
precautionary and preparatory measures. The central government entities
concerned were also requested to make stand by arrangements and provide
support to the States' administrations.

4.  The Cabinet Secretary held meetings of National Crisis Management
Committee (NCMC) on 23 and 24 May to review the preparatory measures.

5.  The State Government of Gujarat has alerted the district
administrations in coastal areas of South Gujarat, Saurashtra and Kutch.
Special control rooms have been set up in the coastal districts to monitor
the speed and velocity of the cyclone. The Chief Minister has directed
authorities in charge of coastal districts of Jamnagar, Bhavnagar,
Junagarh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Kutch, Bulsar, Navsari, Surat, Bharuch and
Anand to proceed to the District HQ and ensure coordination to tackle any
emergency situation due to the cyclone. Eleven senior secretaries have
been sent to the coastal areas to monitor the arrangements.

6.  The army and paramilitary forces have been asked to be ready to help
in the event of rescue and relief operations.

7.  The activities undertaken by the Indian authorities are reflected on
their Internet website at http://www.ndmindia.nic.in.


International Response

8.  The UN Disaster Management Team (UNDMT) in New Delhi has been
monitoring the situation in consultation with the Indian authorities.

9.  In Gandhinagar, Gujarat, the UNICEF State Office has shared
preparedness details with other UN agencies. In Bhuj, a WHO Programme
Coordinator has been coordinating on behalf of the UN system with the
District Collector (DC) to exchange information and review preparedness
measures. Vulnerable groups have been evacuated to shelters. The DC has
requested the UN family to assist with community kitchen requirements. An
emergency coordination meeting with all agencies was called by the DC on
24 May in Bhuj.

10.  OCHA Geneva is in close contact with the UN Resident Coordinator's
Office in New Delhi and will revert with further information if the
situation warrants it.

11.  This situation report, together with further information on ongoing
emergencies, is also available on the OCHA Internet website at
http://www.reliefweb.int


Telephone: +41-22-91712 34
Fax: +41-22-917 00 23
E-mail: ochagva@un.org

In case of emergency only: Tel. +41-22-917 20 10

Desk Officers (OCHA Disaster Response Branch):
  Mr. F. Gentiloni / Mr. R. Mueller / Mr. S. Matsuka / Mr. K. Quiding
  Direct Tel. +41-22-917/ 3512/31 31 / 40 34/1769

Press contact:
  (GVA)  Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-91726 53
   (NY)  Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32


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