Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja on Sunday evening held a review meeting on the preparation needed in view of the formation of a low pressure area over Bay of Bengal in the presence of Special Relief Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary DK Singh and other concerned Secretaries and senior officers of the state government departments and District Collectors.
India Meteorological Department (IMD), Director, Manorama Mohanty was also present in the meeting.
The meeting held discussions on the following issues:
- Special bulletin has been received from IMD on Sunday regarding cyclonic disturbance likely to develop over Bay of Bengal.
- A low pressure area is very likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea during the next 24 hours.
- In this connection, concerned District Collectors have been instructed to remain in preparedness in their respective areas.
- Fishermen warning have been issued. Fishermen are advised not to venture into sea off Odisha Coast and adjoining North Bay of Bengal during the period between October 21 and 26.
- District and concerned departments have been instructed to operate control rooms on 24×7 basis.
- Cyclone shelters are to be kept in readiness. Ensure provision of drinking water during and lighting arrangement.
- Evacuation plan of vulnerable people to be in readiness.
The following advisory have been given to the field officials to districts under red, orange and yellow warning to remain in readiness to meet any eventuality particularly water logging/ landslide in hilly areas.
- Continuous vigil of low-lying areas, dewatering wherever required, including urban areas may be taken up.
- Avoid movement in affected areas, stay in safe place
- Water logging in underpass road and occasional reduction of visibility causing traffic congestion in urban areas.
- Postponed fertilizer/chemicals application in agricultural field, keep livestock in safe place.
- Advice for fishermen to be strictly implemented.
- Man and material to be pre-positioned.
- District Collectors have been instructed to hold meeting at their end in tomorrow morning and send their requirements about deployment of ODRAF, Fire Services and NDRF units.
- Pregnant women, whose EDD fall in next two weeks, are to be shifted to nearest hospitals.
- Public has been advised to be in alert but need not panic.
