NEW DELHI, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Major ports on India's east coast are on guard against incoming cyclone Yaas, which is expected to make landfall Wednesday afternoon bringing heavy rainfall.

India's minister of state for ministry of ports, shipping and waterways Mansukh Mandaviya Tuesday was briefed by chairpersons of the major ports about the measures they have taken to deal with the situations that may arise due to cyclone Yaas, the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry has set up a control room that will work in coordination with the control rooms of the navy, coastguard and ministry of petroleum and natural gas.

An advisory has been issued to shipping companies and operators so that they can take necessary protective measures for the vessels in the area.

"Entire port operational area has been cleared of port users and workers," the ministry said. "Arrangements made for securing all shore cranes, various equipment/machineries, items at project sites, locomotives and rakes, lowering of high mast lights etc."

The ministry said it has also initiated an action plan to suspend railway, road movements in the port area.

Meanwhile, the Inland Waterways Authority of India has issued directions to all inland water transport barge, cruise operators, shipping agents, exporters to stop the movement of all kinds of vessels in India-Bangladesh protocol routes and national waterways until further orders.

India Meteorological Department said the cyclonic storm Yaas is expected to make landfall on Wednesday afternoon with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, storm surges from 3 to 4 metres and wind speed gusting up to 185 km/ph.

Authorities in the eastern states of West Bengal and Odisha have evacuated people from low-lying areas to safer locations and shelters.

Last week cyclone Tauktae wreaked havoc, killing many people in rain-related incidents in Karnataka, Goa, Kerala and Maharashtra. Enditem

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