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CYCLONE MANAGEMENT (Chapter – 17) |
17.1 SCOPE
The coastal Divisions of this Railway come under the influence of South West monsoons and are situated along the Bay of Bengal. A number of sections along the East coast are prone to storms, cyclones and heavy intensity of rainfall which affect the safety of traveling public and also result in disruption to traffic and communication.
17.2 DEFINITION &
CLASSIFICATION OF CYCLONES
The following are the
definitions of the terms and meaning of abbreviations used in this manual -
17.2.1 I.M.D
(India Meteorological Department) : It is the department under Govt. Of India responsible for,
inter-alia, issue of weather warnings.
17.2.2 Regional
Meteorological Centers : These
are the centers under the administrative control of the India Meteorological
Department, who directly issue the weather warning telegrams on the basis of
forecasts. On ECoR system, Regional
Meteorological Centres are situated at Bhubaneswar, Visakhapatnam.
17.2.3 Cyclone
warning Centres (C.W.C) :
It is special establishment under the India Meteorological Department. Located at Visakhapatnam, it specializes in
forecasting of development, movement and progress of cyclone on the Bay of
Bengal. Established in 1986, it is the main
source of cyclone related information not only to the Railway and such other
organisations, but also the Regional Meteorological Centers under the India
Meteorological Department situated elsewhere.
17.2.4 First
Stage Warning’ by CWC : It is the warning issued by CWC as soon as a
cyclonic storm is located at such a distance form the cost that it is expected
to cause bad weather’ over the coast during next 48 hours.
17.2.5 Second
Stage Warning’ by CWC : Following the first stage warning’, the
second stage’ warning is issued as soon
as ‘actual threat’ of cyclone over the costal area.
17.2.6 Severe
Cyclonic Storm : When the wind speed on the
strike of cyclone on land is expected to be 120 Kmph.
17.2.7 Very
Severe Cyclonic Storm : When the wind speeds in the strike
of cyclone on land is expected to be 180 Kmph.
17.2.8 Super
Cyclonic : When
the wind speeds on the strike of cyclone on land is expected to be 220 Kmph.
17.2.9 Dewarning
Message : A message issued by CWC/Visakhapatnam
after the cyclonic storm has adequately weakened or passed fully.
17.3 INFORMATION
DISSEMINATION & CYCLONE INTENSITY MONITORING SYSTEM
17.3.1 Arrangements exist with the
Meteorological Dept., Govt. of India for issuing telegrams of warning whenever
storms, gales and heavy rainfall. The
conditions under which warnings are issued are detailed below –
i. Amount of rainfall
considered dangerous – 75 mm and above in 24 hours.
ii. Wind velocity considered
dangerous – 65 Kmph and above.
iii. Period when warnings will be
given – Throughout the year.
These weather telegrams are
issued by the I.M.D. offices at Bhubaneswar and the Cyclone Warning
Centre/Visakhapatnam to the Chief Controllers of all the 8 Divisions of ECoR
apart from Central Control at Chandrasekharpur/Bhubaneswar. Arrangements exist that in case of failure
of DOT communication system during bad weather/cyclone, the microwave network
of the Railway or Police wireless systems or satellite phones.
17.4 ANEMOMETERS
These are the devices used
for measuring wind speed at specified height from the ground level. The anemometers should be installed by the?
Engineering Dept. at strategic stations along the East-cost route.
17.5 PRE-CYCLONE
SEASON PREPARATION
Pre-cyclone preparation essentially
involves ensuring of adequate inventory of necessary stores and equipments as
per the check list.
17.6 CHECK
LIST OF STORES AND STORAGE LOCATIONS
Since the time available between initial warnings upto the actual occurrence of cyclone and its damages/disruptions is often very short, pre-emptive action is essential to ensure adequate preparedness in terms of stores and equipments necessary to deal with the disruptions/damages.
17.7 STORES
DEPARTMENT
The Stores Department will ensure stock of items with quantities given in Annexure 3.1.1. The locations for stocking of these materials shall be at Kharagpur and Raipur Stores Depots which are accessible by rail as well as road.
17.8 ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
The
list of materials which should be kept at strategic locations on the East-coast
section at all times is available at Annexure-II (Engg)
17.8.1 Standing arrangements on
‘whenever required’ basis should exist for supply of adequate rake loads of
steel plants slag with Bokaro and Visakhapatnam Steel Plants and quarry dust
with ballast contractors.
17.8.2 * As restoration of traffic
often requires heavy handling of earth, availability of heavy earth moving
machinery viz Poclains, JCBs, Pay-loaders etc should be identified in the
coastal towns along with firm’s/owner’s names, addresses and telephone numbers
so as to hire and mobilize them as the necessity arises.
17.8.3 * Standing contracts with
100% option clause may be entered into on annual basis from strategic quarry
dust and boulder supply locations viz.
17.9 ELECTRICAL
DEPARTMENT
The items, quantity and locations of electrical materials to be kept as pre-cyclone measure is available at Annexure-II (Electrical). In addition to these materials, the locations of additional generator cars should be identified in advance so that they can be requisitioned from other Divisions/Railways in case of necessity.
17.10 MECHANICAL
DEPARTMENT
Mechanical
Dept during pre-cyclone season needs to take the following measures –
F About 20 overaged four
wheeler tanks suitable for drinking water shall be identified and made
available at VSKP, KUR & KGP for loading and movement of drinking water.
17.11 S&T
DEPARTMENT
The experience has shown that the communication links including terrestrial, underground and microwave severed off at the on set of cyclone. In such cases, VHF sets for short distance communication and satellite phones for long distance communication are the only means available for exchange of vital information. However, following pre-cyclone arrangements should be made –
17.11.1 Availability of emergency
generator sets for charging of VHF equipments at all nominated stations with
adequate fuel.
17.11.2 The satellite phones should
be kept in working order at Chandrasekharpur/BBS.
17.11.3 Spare 25 W VHF set complete
with battery and antenna to the extent of 25% of total sets provided in the
Divisions should be available with TCIs on East Coast Route.
17.11.4 One extra DG set along with
2 number of 20 litres of jerkin full with fuel shuld be stored at each of the
three locations (KGP, KUR & VSKP) along the East Coast route at SI/TCI’s
stores.
17.12 MEDICAL
DEPARTMENT
Medical Dept will keep the following items in stock at the
locations indicated against each as preparedness for cyclone even during the
pre-cyclone season.
Material
Quantity Locations
Chlorine tablet *** KUR8
& WAT(8)
Bleaching
power *** KUR & WAT
F
At above
locations the material will be kept with CMD/CMS stores in respective main
hospitals.
***
Quantity to be fixed
by MD in consultation with the CMD.
17.13 ACTION
TO BE TAKEN 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF HITTING CYCLONE
Formation of low pressure area, its development into cyclonic storm and its tentative direction of propagation becomes known much before (well above 48 hours) the estimated time for its striking the coast. A broad assessment of anticipated severity of cyclone becomes known at least 48 hours before its strike to the coast. From this point of time, prompt action to combat the cyclone is warranted.
17.14 CHECK
ON THE INVENTORIES AND EQUIPMENTS OF STORES
Inventories/Stores to be maintained by each Dept on specified locations is detailed in PARA-IV under Item 4.2. After initial warnings of cyclones have been received from the I.M.D/C.W.C each dept will conduct are-check of physical availability of items with quantities and locations as per the checklist given in para 4.2. The following actions is required by each Dept –
17.15 STORES
DEPARTMENT
17.15.1 Reviewing the stock position
of items given in Annexure-II (Stores) (in the stocking depot and locations
likely to get affected).
17.15.2 Arranging transportation of
some of the relief materials to the likely affected areas before natural
calamity strikes.
17.16 ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT
The engineering material as stocked as per Annexure-II (Engg)
should be cross checked for its physical availability in full. The fitness of vehicles on which the
materials have been loaded ‘on wheel’ should be obtained. Apart from this, the following action needs
to be taken –
17.16.1 Based on the anticipated
severity and warnings, the modalities for movement of materials given in Annexure-II
(Engg) should be planned.
17.16.2 The firms/owners having
heavy earth moving machinery should be contacted, alerted and asked to be in
readiness to hire the machines to the Railway.
Movement of such machine including loading and unloading arrangements
should be planned in consultation with the Traffic Branch.
17.16.3 A review of availability of
the following materials with stock holders should be done to know the
availability position -
i. GI Wires, ii.
Asbestos Sheets, iii. GI Sheets, iv.
Tents
17.17 ELECTRICAL
DEPARTMENT
Check working of DG sets, stock position of HSD oil, K-Oil, position of light fittings and other materials so s to ensure that they re available in working condition at nominated depots. This should be ensured by DEE/G/AEE/G/Supervisor in-charge of their respective jurisdiction. Any shortage should be made goods. HQs control should be informed for assistance if required. Complete list of vital equipments & consumables should be available in divisions control.
17.18 MECHANICAL
DEPARTMENT
The fitness of rolling stock
for transportation of drinking water as well as those of ARTs, ARMEs, ARMVs
should be checked and ensured.
17.19 S&T
DEPARTMENT
17.19.1 Communication
i. Check that 25 W VHF set
provided at each station is functioning properly & battery in fully
charger.
ii. Check that emergency
generator set is functioning properly with adequate fuel.
iii. Check that fuel supply tanks
of the generator sets have been full filled and adequate fuel for 72 hrs has
been stocked.
17.19.2 Microwave
i. Check and align all Microwave
equipment and battery of DG sets with adequate fuel
ii. Keep MAST riggers,
Transport, Fuel ready to attend to any disturbance to antenna and tower
mounting.
iii. Telecom channels via
alternative routes should be lined up and kept terminated for administrative
trunks and control working.
iv. Satellite phones whrever
available should be tested and accompanying staff identified along with battery
charging arrangement.
v. Communication equipment in
ART should be tested for proper working order.
17.19.3 Block
working
i. Check all the Block
Instruments and their Batteries.
ii. Extend power supply from
emergency generator set to Block Battery chrger.
17.20 MEDICAL
DEPARTMENT
Medical Dept will check the availability of stock as detailed in para 4.2.6.
17.21 OPERATING DEPARTMENT
Sr.DOM of the concerned divisions will make a rough assessment of staff and area of deployment and advise HQs and Emergency Control/GRC. The Divisional Control will also obtain the status of functioning of VHF sets and batteries/generators from each station and bring the discrepancies to the notice of Sr.DSTE.
SM of the area with assistance of Sr.DOM of the division which is
likely to be affected will ensure storage of adequate drinking water,
functioning of hurricane lamps, match box, adequate availability of fuel for
generator sets, functioning of VHF sets, charging of stand by batteries and
adequacy of first aid equipment.
17.22 ACTIVATION
OF ALARMS TO STAFF & COLONY
17.22.1 Action
by Central Control – COM’s Office
i. At HQs Office the Central
Control Unit who is the recipient of the weather warning telegrams will arrange
for the distribution of the message to the CE, CBE, CTE, COM, CSO, CME, CEE and
CSTE through their concerned departmental counterparts in central control.
ii. Central Control should also
verify with the Divisional Control that such weather warnings, telegrams have
been received by the Chief Controller of the concerned Division to enable them
take prompt action at field level.
17.22.2 Action
by the Division Control Office
The Chief Controller or in
his absence the Dy. Controller should immediately arrange for the weather
warning telegram to be repeated verbatim to he Divisional Officers as well as
AENs concerned and all SMs on the section likely to be affected on the control
telephone. The Controller repeating the
telegram should record the name of the SM to whom the telegram has been
repeated.
17.23 PREPARATION
OF ACTIVITIES FOR STATIONS LIKELY TO BE AFFECTED BY CYCLONES
17.23.1 Diversion
of Trains :
Divisional/HQ Emergency Control will remain in touch and take action for
diversion of trains based on the ground situation. All diversions ordered shall be advised through a bulletin to all
concerned including CPRO for publicity.
17.23.2 In order to avoid any
mishaps or damage to the passenger trains and to avoid marooning of passengers,
the COM or an officer acting on his behalf will issue instructions to all
concerned for either cancellation or regulating the trains in time so as to
avoid running through likely affected area by cyclone.
17.24 NOMINATION
OF OFFICERS TO MAN THE EMERGENCY CONTROL AND WAY-SIDE STATIONS
17.24.1 In addition to the action
taken as per above para by various departments, each PHOD/concerned DRM will
identify and nominate the officers for opening up and manning of emergency
control at short notice at HQ/Division.
17.24.2 Two light motor trolleys
should be arranged & kept in readiness at strategic stations which should
fall away from the likely affected zone.
At least one officer & a few staff should be nominated for each. They should be provided with VHF sets &
1 satellite phone each so that they can accomplish the mission of physically
covering the entire affected zone & give “First information on damage”
through these equipment to the control after passage of the cyclone.
17.25. ACTIVATION
OF EMERGENCY CONTROL AND NOMINATION OF STAFF FOR VARIOUS DUTIES
17.25.1 Emergency
Controls
i. Emergency offices shall be
opened in the HQ Control, Divisional Control (affected division) and important
junction stations in all case of warning of super cyclone or very severe
cyclone storm. VIZ, VZM, CHE, PSA, BAM, KUR, CTC, PRDP & BHC
ii. The Divisional and HQ
Emergency control shall obtain every two hourly position from Meteorological
Office for upto 12 hrs before the likely time of cyclone hitting the coast and
thereafter every hour.
iii. The SM shall inform Local
Revenue Officers, Sub-Collectors of the area regarding the holding of trains in
his station.
17.25.2 Relief
Train
Any available rake of preferably 6 coaches of any type to be
nominated and kept ready at VSKP, KUR at least 24 hrs before the cyclone is likely
to hit for carrying staff, Doctor, Food, medicines & Relief materials.
17.25.3 Action
by Commercial Department
Enquiry
offices should be opened by CCM at impartment stations with public address
system and information about running of trains, arrangements made for supply of
food, transshipment of passengers, etc. should be repeatedly given over the
public address system for the benefit of the passengers.
17.25.4 Engineering
Department
i. The ongoing patrolling of
track shall be intensified. 24 hrs
before anticipated strike of the cyclone, the positi9on of coastal belt likely
to be affected by it is likely to become more clear. The trains loaded with the the ‘monsoon reserve’ materials
(cinders, boulders, quarry dust, empty cement bags filled with earth/sand etc.)
will be ordered to run-in consultation with traffic department to the stations
near to the last likely affected stations.
ii. Empty flat wagons (BRH/BRN)
will begot placed at suitable sidings (preferably goods platform line with
ramps) to enable quick loading of earth moving machinery.
17.25.5 Mechanical
Department
i. The ART/ARV/ARME/ARMV staff
and crane driver will be kept alert to rush to duties at minimum notice.
ii. The drinking water, food
items (including biscuits & ration) shall be provided ready on
ARTs/ARMVs. ARTs will be equipped with
fuel patromax/ gas lamps & portable generator with adequate provisions for
72 hours.
17.26 READINESS
OF RELIEF MATERIALS, ROAD VEHICLES & EQUIPMENT
17.26.1 Road
Vehicles
All road vehicles including jeeps, cars, light & heavy material
carrying vehicles shall be kept in readiness at the nominated
Stations/Divisional offices with adequate fuel & two (roster duty) drivers
to move men/materials/equipments at minimum notice.
17.26.2 Communication
Equipment
As the coastal areas likely to be affected will be quite clear by
then, Satellite phones with personnel competent to use, handle &
troubleshoot, shall be dispatched to a strategic stations (larger among those
likely to be affected).
17.26.3 Stores
Department Items
i.
Preparations
for packing, transportation & distribution of materials shall be
started. The packing shall be done with
water proof packing materials & easy to handle crates (manually).
ii.
Nomination
of Stores Officer in HQs for coordinating the material supply activities with
officer-in-charge at site/nominated officers of user department in HQs.
17.27 SECURITY
The Security personnel will be nominated by DSCs/Sr.SDSCs at
following positions –
17.27.1 To accompany ‘relief
material’ carrying trains when ordered.
17.27.2 To help commercial & station
staff of major stations to handle public enquiries etc.
17.27.3 At each station where any
passenger carrying train is regulated.
17.27.4 On heavy vehicles carrying
relief materials.
17.27.5 At major restoration sites
after cyclone recedes & work commences.
17.28 COORDINATION
AT HQ, DIVISIONAL & BOARD’S LEVEL