National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Reviews Preparedness for Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC): The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) is a high-level committee in India responsible for effective disaster management and crisis response at the national level. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) is also important for UPSC Prelims Exam and UPSC Mains Exam (GS Paper 3- Disaster Management).

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) in News

Recently, the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary Shri Rajiv Gauba, convened to assess the readiness of the Government of Gujarat and various Central Ministries/Agencies in anticipation of the approaching cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ in the Arabian Sea. The meeting focused on reviewing the level of preparedness and ensuring necessary measures are in place to effectively manage the potential impact of the cyclone.

NCMC Meeting on Biparjoy Cyclone

During a meeting, the Committee received a detailed briefing from the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) regarding the prevailing situation of an extremely severe cyclonic storm named ‘Biparjoy’ in the east-central Arabian Sea.

• The storm is expected to exhibit a nearly northward movement until the morning of the 14th, following which it will shift to a north-northeast direction.
• The projected path of the cyclone indicates that it will make landfall between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan), close to Jakhau Port (Gujarat), by noon on the 15th of June.
• At the time of landfall, ‘Biparjoy’ is anticipated to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, characterized by sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 150 kmph.

Steps taken to Minimize Impact of Cyclone Biparjoy

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary of Gujarat provided an update on the precautionary measures being implemented to safeguard the residents residing in the anticipated path of the cyclonic storm. The local administration has taken necessary actions to ensure the safety of the population.

• As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been strongly advised against venturing into the sea, and those already at sea have been instructed to return to a safe harbor. To date, a total of 21,000 boats have been safely parked.
• In preparation for potential evacuations, a comprehensive list of vulnerable villages has been compiled. Additionally, details of saltpan workers have been documented to facilitate their relocation to secure areas.
• Adequate shelters, power supply, medicine, and emergency services have been made readily available to meet the immediate needs of the affected areas. Furthermore, 10 teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief operations.
• These proactive measures aim to mitigate the potential impact of the cyclonic storm and ensure the well-being of the population residing in its path. The authorities are focused on maintaining a state of readiness to swiftly respond to any emergency situations that may arise.

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Details

The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) is a high-level committee in India responsible for effective disaster management and crisis response at the national level. It is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, who is the highest-ranking civil servant in the country. The NCMC consists of senior representatives from various ministries, departments, and agencies of the Indian government.

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Objectives

The primary objective of the NCMC is to coordinate and oversee the response to major crises, emergencies, and disasters that may affect the nation. This includes natural disasters such as cyclones, earthquakes, floods, and droughts, as well as man-made emergencies like terrorist attacks, industrial accidents, and public health crises.

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Significance

The NCMC plays a crucial role in formulating and implementing disaster management strategies, policies, and guidelines. It facilitates communication and coordination between different stakeholders involved in disaster response, including central ministries, state governments, and other relevant agencies. The committee also assesses the level of preparedness, monitors the situation during a crisis, and provides necessary guidance and support to the concerned authorities.

National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) Functioning

During a crisis, the NCMC acts as a central decision-making body, ensuring prompt and effective response to mitigate the impact of the disaster.

• It mobilizes resources, deploys specialized teams, coordinates relief operations, and facilitates the exchange of information among all stakeholders.
• The committee works closely with state governments and other agencies to ensure a coordinated and unified response.
• The NCMC meets regularly to review the preparedness levels, discuss potential threats, conduct risk assessments, and plan for any eventualities.
• It also conducts mock drills, exercises, and training programs to enhance the capacity and readiness of all stakeholders involved in disaster management. 

Cyclone Biparjoy Details

The name “Biparjoy” was given by Bangladesh and means ‘calamity’ or ‘disaster’. The name was adopted by World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) countries in 2020 and pronounced as “Biporjoy”.

• These names are used for tropical cyclones that form over the North Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
• On June 5, a depression was formed in the region.
• As of Tuesday morning, the depression is located approximately 930 km west-southwest of Goa and 1,060 km south-southwest of Mumbai.
• The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the depression will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning and a very severe cyclonic storm by Friday evening.
• The IMD is closely monitoring the path of the cyclone and will issue advisories accordingly. Residents of coastal areas are advised to be prepared for possible flooding and other impacts from the cyclone.

How are Cyclones Named?

The World Meteorological Organization has established a naming system for tropical cyclones to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. Regional weather forecasters follow specific rules for naming cyclones. In the Atlantic and the Southern Hemisphere (Indian Ocean and South Pacific), tropical cyclones are named in alphabetical order, alternating between women’s and men’s names. Since 2000, countries in the Northern Indian Ocean region have adopted a new system where names are listed alphabetically based on countries and are gender-neutral. This standardized approach helps in effectively communicating and tracking tropical cyclones across different regions.

Cyclone Biparjoy 2023 Live Updates on Arabian Sea Impacts and Disasters

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