National Crisis Management Committee meets to review AMPHAN preparedness

The AMPHAN Super Cyclone is expected to reach West Bengal by May 20, 2020. The wind speeds are expected to be between 155 km/hr and 165 km/hr. In order to review the preparatory measures, the National Crisis Management Committee met under the chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary.

National Crisis Management Committee

• The National Crisis Management Committee oversees the command, coordination and control of disaster response. 
• It gives direction to the Crisis Management Group as when necessary.

Functions of the Committee

• The National Crisis Management Committee reviews the measures required to deal with natural calamity. 
• It coordinates the activities of the state governments and central ministries in relation to disaster preparedness.
• Upon constitution of National Crisis Management Committee, the Agriculture secretary seeks directions and provides information in all matters.

Background

• Between 1965 and 2017, around 46 severe cyclonic storms have hit Bay of Bengal. 
• Cyclone Phailin that hit in 2013 and super cyclone of 1999 are the cyclones that affected the coasts of Odisha badly. 
• In 2019, Cyclone Fani made landfall in Odisha that claimed lives of 40 people.