Amphan storm threatens railways, coaches tied with iron chains in Howrah

Howrah, Ta. 20 May 2020, Wednesday

Super Cyclone 'Amphan' is expected to hit the Bay of Bengal today. The biggest risk of a storm coming at a speed of 155 to 185 kilometers per hour may be the railway service. In Howrah, railway coaches have been chained to prevent damage to railway coaches due to cyclones.

Arrangements have been made by the Railways to chain and lock the coaches of the standing train at Shalimar Siding, Howrah. Railway services have been disrupted across the country due to the Corona crisis, but the South Eastern Railway has been informed to shut down labor trains for the safety of all workers' special trains being operated during the Corona crisis.

The train that stands on the railway track is fastened with large iron chains and locked. The decision was taken to prevent the engine from running on the tracks without a train due to the cyclonic storm. If the train runs without an engine, an accident can happen and the situation after that can be difficult to control. This is the reason why the train is bound with iron chains and locks.

Storm winds and heavy rainfall of 155 to 185 kmph are forecast during the storm. According to the Indian Meteorological Department, heavy rains will hit the coastal areas of Bengal during this period and waves four to five meters high will rise in the sea.

19 NDRF teams deployed in West Bengal

In view of the hurricane, 19 NDRF teams have been deployed in West Bengal and 15 in Odisha. The 6 teams are prepared in such a way that help can be reached by airlift when needed. Cyclonic storms can wreak havoc in affected areas.

The risk of Cyclone Amphan is so high that Howrah Cooperation has kept the control room open for 24 hours to provide immediate assistance to the people in case of any inconvenience. Sandbags are being kept in coastal areas of Odisha to prevent ocean waves from reaching residential areas. The coastal area in Jagatsinghpur has been evacuated. People are being shifted to shelter homes.