Cyclone Tauktae: NDMA releases list of Do's & Dont's; check safety measures here

With Cyclone Tauktae hours away from intensifying into a 'severe cyclonic storm', the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has released a list of do's don'ts for the citizens along with safety measures that they should follow during and after the storm.

Below are NDMA's recommended safety measures:

BEFORE FLOODS:

• Ignore rumours, Stay calm, Don't panic
• Keep your mobile phones charged for emergency communication; use SMS
• Listen to the radio, watch TV, read newspapers for weather updates
• Keep cattle/animals untied to ensure their safety
• Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for safety and survival
• Keep a FirstAid kit with extra medication for snakebite and diarrhoea ready
• Keep your documents and valuables in waterproof bags

DURING FLOODS:

• Don't enter floodwaters. In case you need to, wear suitable footwear
• Stay away from sewerage lines, gutters, drains, culverts, etc.
• Stay away from electric poles and fallen power lines to avoid electrocution
• Eat freshly cooked or dry food. Keep your food covered
• Drink boiled/chlorinated water
• Use disinfectants to keep your surroundings clean

AFTER FLOODS:

• Do not allow children to play in or near floodwaters
• Don't use any damaged electrical goods, get them checked
• Watch out for broken electric poles and wires, sharp objects and debris
• Do not eat food that has been in floodwaters
• Use mosquito nets to prevent malaria
• Don't use the toilet or tap water if the water lines/sewage pipes are damaged

IF YOU NEED TO EVACUATE:

• Raise furniture, appliances on beds and tables
• Put sandbags in the toilet bowl and cover all drain holes to prevent sewage backflow
• Turn off power and gas connection
• Move to a higher ground/ safe shelter
• Take the emergency kit, first aid box and valuables with you
• Do not enter deep, unknown waters; use a stick to check water depth
• Come back home only when officials ask you to do.

As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the Arabian Sea near Lakshwadeep has intensified into a deep depression as Cyclone Tauktae makes landfall on Sunday. Its impact in the form of moderate-to-heavy rainfall is expected to be seen along the West coast of the country namely states like --Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, and Gujarat.