Cyclone Yaas | Prepare for worst-case scenario, evacuate on overdrive: NDRF Chief's advice to States

He said 12 teams have so far been stationed in West Bengal and more are on standby

As West Bengal and Odisha brace for another severe cyclone after the Amphan havoc last year, NDRF chief S.N. Pradhan has urged authorities in the two States to adopt an "over-preparing" approach for the impending natural disaster, and carry out evacuation even in the least vulnerable places. He said those engaged in evacuation work must realise as well as make people understand that the choice is between temporary discomfort and death. "What we have learnt so far from our experiences over the years is that if the disaster prediction is X, then you must prepare for 2X because a natural phenomenon can turn worse in a matter of hours. So, if the forecast is for a very severe cyclone of 150 kilometres per hour, you should gear up for an extremely severe cyclone.