<span style="color: #222222;">The National Crisis Management Committee, NCMC today reviewed the preparedness of Central Ministries, Agencies, and State governments with regard to a possible cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal. The meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. During the meeting, Mr. Gauba stressed that preventive and precautionary measures should be taken by the concerned authorities of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry.</span><br />''<br />''He said, the aim should be to keep the loss of lives to zero and minimise damage to property and infrastructure such as power and telecom. In case of damage to this infrastructure, it must be restored in the quickest possible time, he added. The Cabinet Secretary also assured the  State and UT Governments that all Central agencies are ready and will be available for assistance.<br />''<br />''During the meeting, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department briefed the NCMC  about the current status of the cyclone. It is likely to continue to move West- Northwestwards and intensify further into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow evening.<br />''<br />'' It is likely to reach South West Bay of Bengal off North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts by Thursday morning. During the meeting, the Chief Secretaries of Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, and senior officials from Puducherry apprised the NCMC about preparatory measures in this regard. Fishermen have been asked not to venture out into the sea.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">National Disaster Response Force has made five teams available to Tamil Nadu and three teams for Puducherry. NDRF teams are also being kept on standby for Andhra Pradesh. Rescue and relief teams of the Army and Navy along with ships and aircraft have been kept ready on standby. </span><br />