AIZAWL, May 16 NNN : Schools throughout Mizoram were closed today as the state prepares to take the super-cyclone Mahasen. Traffic in the state capital Aizawl were thin and the percentage of office attendance in government departments were low.
As a pre-emptive move, the government of Mizoram had ordered to close schools in the state for two days starting from Thursday as the super cyclone Mahasen strking the state becomes imminent.
As weathermen have predicted that super cyclone ‘Mahasen’ is due to hit Mizoram on May 16 (Thursday night), Mizoram Chief Minister Lal Thanhawl issued yesterday an official order to shut all the schools in the State, excluding colleges, from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
The Chief Minister also made a request to the people in the State not to organize any function or any kind of public gathering from Thursday afternoon till Friday.
As per the latest information provided to the Chief Minister by Cyclone Warning Division, Indian Meteorological Department, New Delhi, the predicted timing of the ‘Mahasen’ cyclone remains unchanged. The super cyclone is believed to reach Mizoram at around 9:30 – 10 pm on Thursday.
The predicted cyclone is believed to reach Lunglei and other Southern parts at a 45-55 km/ph intensity/speed, and expected even to reach 65 km/ph.
Moreover, the super cyclone will be followed by heavy rain which will take 24 hours. It is also predicted that the cyclone may come along from Lunglei towards Aizawl and further up to Champhai.
Chief Minister Lal Thanhawla, therefore, once again advised the people not to panic but stay ready at their own places and to turn themselves to God. He also informed all the government departments to stay alert.
The government release yesterday stated that the state government of Mizoram has around 400 trained persons of the Disaster Response Force who have been given training since 2009 – 10, who can be called out on any time at the given emergency helpline numbers.
In a preventive measure too, the School Education Commissioner of Mizoram, has also notified for closing of all schools in the State from Thursday afternoon till Friday. All the headmasters and teachers are accordingly informed to consider the safety of school materials.
The deputy commissioner of Aizawl has also announced opening up of Aizawl District Emergency Operation Centre for 24×7 service, to which reports can be given by the people.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/mizoram-reeling-under-mahasen-fear/
