In view of the possible cyclonic storm Hudhud, the Paradip Port Trust (PPT) has taken adequate precautions to deal with any kind of eventuality. Though the port city is not coming under the radius of the tropical cyclone, the PPT management has directed all ships inside the port to double up their moorings, to be prepared to shift to anchorage within a short notice, to monitor continuously on VHF channel for getting instructions from the PPT authorities.
The Marine department of the port is also in touch with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) to keep an eye on the movement of the tropical cyclone. The port’s Traffic Department has advised all the stevedores to restrict cargo discharge and loading operations in ships to ensure that cargos are not washed away into the harbour in case any heavy rain occurs caused by the cyclone. Ships at anchorage have been advised to move into deep sea in case the cyclone diverts towards Paradip.
Besides, essential commodities have been kept ready to be served to the cyclone and rain-affected people in the port. Port employees are instructed not to leave the headquarters till further orders to meet the eventualities. PPT Chairman Sudhanshu Sekhara Mishra is personally monitoring the situation with feedback from various departments of the port.
On the other hand, panic-buying by local people has led to vanishing of common vegetables and commodities from the Paradip market. Potato, which was being sold at Rs50 per kg, went vanished later from the market.