Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday convened a meeting to review preparedness of different agencies of the State Government for a ‘likely’ summer cyclone. Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrata Sahu addressed a presser following this high-level meeting and shared information on the details.
Sahu said, in addition to all departments of the State government, the NDRF, ODRAF, Fire Service, etc have been asked to remain prepared in advance. The CM advised officials to shift people living in vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to cyclone shelters wherever needed.
Control rooms have been prepared after holding discussion with Collectors of 18 districts. As many as 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept ready, Sahu said.
As per the IMD, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over the Bay of Bengal after May 6. “A cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over Southeast Bay of Bengal around 06th May, 2023. Under its influence, a Low Pressure Area is likely to form over the same region during subsequent 48 hours,” the Met department had informed on Saturday.
A precise prediction regarding the path and intensity of the system can be made after formation of the low pressure area, weather experts stated. The system will be named as cyclone ‘Mocha’ if it becomes a cyclonic storm.
Chief Secretary Pradip Kumar Jena said all efforts will be made to ensure zero-casualty during the calamity. All Collectors have been alerted in this regard. Around 1,000 cyclone shelters are in readiness while more safe places including school buildings have been identified, he added.