Ref: OCHA/GVA - 2001/0099
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: +41-22-917 12 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:
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:
(in GVA) - Mr. Donato Kiniger-Passigli, direct Tel. +41-22-917 26 53
(in N.Y.) - Ms. Phyllis Lee, direct Tel. +1-212-963 48 32