Number: A20/2020
Date: 21 May 2020
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) issued Tropical Cyclone Advice Number one in relation to Tropical Cyclone Mangga. As a result of this warning, the Cocos Emergency Management Committee has met and supported the recommendation from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands (CKI) Territory Controller to enact the Cyclone Action Plan.
CKI is now operating under Condition Blue. This means that a cyclone has formed and may affect the area within 48 hours. Response agencies are prepared and Emergency Management procedures are in place.
As part of the Cyclone Condition Blue action plan, it is now time to prepare yourself and support your community by:
- Making sure your neighbours are aware of the cyclone warning issued by BoM
- Clean up around your home, tie down or remove loose material and rubbish
- Check that all windows are secured
- Have emergency supplies at hand
- Make sure you have some water stores.
- Listen to 6CKI for updates.
The most likely track of TC Mangga is to the west of the Islands, passing by during Friday and Saturday.
The Lagoon is be closed from 6:00pm, Thursday, 21 May 2020. The Ferry will cease operation until Tuesday morning, 26 May 2020. Schools will be closed tomorrow and will re-open on Tuesday morning. The West Island Supermarket will be closed until Tuesday morning, 26 May 2020.
Please listen to emergency broadcasts and to the on-ground responders during any extreme weather event. They are there to support us and keep us safe.
We also have our warning lights located at:
- West Island Public Shelter
- Home Island Public Shelter
- Airport runway adjacent to the Bureau of Meteorology Building.
When the lights are activated, please follow all related instructions. If you require emergency assistance, please contact Cocos police on 000 or 9162 6600, or on VHF Channel 20. Please listen and follow all advice from the Territory Controller, Sergeant David Williams.
The next update will follow a briefing from BoM to the Cocos Emergency Management Committee tomorrow morning.
Mrs Natasha Griggs
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands