Thiruvananthapuram: Union minister Alphons Kannanthanam reiterated the state government stand that there was a delay in issuing a cyclone warning. He said the warning was issued only at 12 noon on November 30. The minister stated this while speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the Secretariat on Sunday.
Depression warning given on time: Minister
The state received the warning regarding the cyclone on November 30 at 12 noon, the minister said. “I have examined the details of the official warnings issued. It said that the wind will move towards the North West direction. However, a correct prediction on the change of direction of the cyclone could not be made. After the warning was received; the government has been able to conduct effective rescue efforts with the cooperation of everyone. The rescue efforts will continue," Mr Kannanathanam said.
The Union tourism minister who agreed to the state government’s contention that they had not received any prior warning about the cyclone, later made some amendments while speaking to reporters at Vizhinjam. At Vizhinjam he said that the Central agencies had given necessary alerts on November 28 and 29 itself on deep depression and also against fishermen venturing into sea. What I had said earlier was that the warning on cyclone was issued only on November 30. The state could have warned fishermen on the deep depression, Mr Kannanthanam said.
Mr Kannanthanam, after the high level meeting also said that the Ockhi cyclone could not be declared a national disaster. We have received a memorandum from the state government requesting to declare Cyclone Ockhi as a national calamity. However, there is no such scheme for the Centre to do the same. There is no provision to declare this as a national calamity.
The Centre will provide funds. If needed, more funds will be allocated,” he said. The Union Minister later visited nearby Poonthura, a coastal hamlet where fishermen are protesting alleging delay in rescue. He also said that 90 fishermen from the state were yet to be brought back to the shores.
