NE DEFENCE BUREAU
CHENNAI, NOV 14
A developing weather system over the Bay of Bengal has triggered a heightened maritime safety response, with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) stepping up surveillance, deploying precautionary measures and keeping its rescue and disaster response machinery on standby to protect lives and property along India’s eastern seaboard.
- Cyclone preparedness stepped up: Indian Coast Guard intensifies operational vigilance following formation of a low-pressure area over the South-East Bay of Bengal.
- Ships and aircraft on standby: Maritime assets placed on heightened alert for immediate deployment in response to emerging weather threats.
- Fishermen put on notice: Coastal surveillance and regional-language weather advisories intensified to protect fishing communities and other seafarers.
- Disaster response teams activated: Specialised teams positioned along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh coasts for rapid mobilisation.
- Rescue operations on standby: Search and Rescue (SAR), evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities kept mission-ready.
Following the initial indication of a Low Pressure Area over the South-East Bay of Bengal on November 13, 2026, with the potential to intensify into a cyclonic storm, the ICG has significantly reinforced its operational preparedness. The proactive measures are aimed at mitigating weather-related risks, safeguarding the fishing community and ensuring the safety of merchant vessels and other maritime users.
Sea surveillance and assets on high alert
As part of its enhanced operational posture, ICG ships and aircraft have been placed on heightened alert and kept ready for immediate deployment. Coast Guard Radar Stations are maintaining continuous surveillance of the developing weather system, while maritime patrols are being intensified to disseminate timely warnings and safety advisories to fishermen, merchant vessels and other mariners.
The strengthened surveillance network is intended to ensure that critical weather information reaches those operating at sea without delay, enabling them to take appropriate precautions against deteriorating conditions.
Regional-language alerts to reach fishermen
Recognising the importance of last-mile communication during an impending weather emergency, Remote Operating Stations (ROS) at Chennai and other locations are broadcasting weather warnings and safety advisories in regional languages through Very High Frequency (VHF) communication channels.
Vessels at anchorage are being cautioned, while port authorities are being kept informed to facilitate timely precautionary and preventive measures. The communication drive is particularly significant for fishermen and smaller vessels, for whom early warnings can make a critical difference.
Disaster response teams positioned for rapid mobilisation
The ICG has constituted Disaster Response Teams (DRTs) along the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andhra Pradesh coasts. These teams are being kept ready for immediate mobilisation and reinforcement to deal with any emergent situation arising from the evolving weather conditions.
The coordinated preparedness is designed to ensure that response capabilities are available close to vulnerable coastal stretches, reducing mobilisation time should an emergency arise.
Rescue, evacuation and humanitarian operations on standby
All Coast Guard ships and aircraft are maintaining a high state of readiness to undertake Search and Rescue (SAR), evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations at short notice, should the situation warrant.
The ICG is also maintaining close coordination with the civil administration, port authorities and other maritime stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective response to any eventuality.
Reaffirming its commitment to maritime safety and national preparedness, the Indian Coast Guard remains vigilant and mission-ready to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging contingencies, with the protection of lives and property at sea and along the coastline remaining its paramount priority.