Paradip: Paradip Post Trust (PPT) authorities will suspend all operations from Tuesday evening due to the threat of cyclone ‘Amphan’. The cyclone is now lying 420 kilometres south of Paradip. This was disclosed by PPT chairman Rinkesh Roy during a press conference here Tuesday.
“All operations will be suspended at the port Tuesday evening onwards. The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall and storm with high wind speeds. Under the conditions we have no option but to suspend operations,” Roy said.
“Except staff of some important departments, no one else will be allowed to enter the port area. The entire port will be sanitised before closure,” Roy added.
The chairman also informed that since May 17 ships have not been allowed to enter the port. Twenty ships anchored at the port have also been asked to leave and some have done that already. Trucks on the port premises left Monday night.
Drains in the port township area have been cleared for the smooth discharge of rain water. Sources said the PPT authorities have kept ready six cyclone shelters with adequate stock of dry ration and cooked food. The shelters also have adequate stock of drinking water. Generators have also been installed to the cyclone shelters for uninterrupted supply of power in case connections get snapped due to the strong winds.
To provide emergency medical services to the people, a medical team with ambulance van has been kept ready.
Informing about the arrangements made in the cyclone shelter homes within the PPT township, Roy said necessary steps have been taken for maintaining social distancing. Masks will be provided to all those who will stay in the shelter homes.
Roy also said that four teams have been formed to clear the roads after the cyclone passes the Paradip coast.
PNN