Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has deployed 24 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams across five southern districts as part of intensified preparedness measures ahead of a cyclone expected to approach the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast on October 28, according to an official press release issued on Sunday.
The five districts placed on high alert are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, where heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds are anticipated under the influence of the system.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that the cyclone may make landfall between southern Odisha and northern Andhra Pradesh, with a higher probability of crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.
As part of its preparedness measures, the state government has directed district administrations to strengthen emergency response mechanisms and ensure the safety of residents in vulnerable areas.
According to the deployment plan, Ganjam has been assigned nine ODRAF teams and two NDRF teams, while Gajapati will have six ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.
Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have each been assigned three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.
District-level officers and staff have been directed to remain at their respective headquarters, with their leave cancelled in view of the impending weather threat.
Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated at district, block, tehsil and urban local body levels to coordinate emergency response and provide assistance to residents. Dedicated helpline numbers and toll-free services have also been made available.
Authorities are identifying residents living in kutcha houses, thatched huts and low-lying areas for relocation to safer locations, including cyclone shelters. Special arrangements are being made for pregnant women nearing their delivery dates, senior citizens, children and persons with disabilities.
The state government has also prepared cyclone shelters in vulnerable areas with essential amenities, keeping its ‘Zero Casualty’ objective in focus.
As a precautionary measure, fishing activities in the sea have been prohibited, while tourist access to hills, waterfalls, dams and other scenic destinations in the five districts has been restricted.
The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest and safely store crops, including paddy, maize and ragi, that have reached 80-85 per cent maturity. Dedicated agricultural helplines have also been established to assist farmers.
Other preparedness measures include water chlorination, the stocking of essential medicines and supplies, including snake antivenom and chlorine tablets, at hospitals, and the positioning of equipment for the prompt restoration of electricity and telecommunications services in the event of disruptions.
Arrangements have also been made to move livestock to safer locations, provide veterinary assistance through Mobile Veterinary Units and distribute cattle feed and fodder in vulnerable areas.
Nodal officers have been assigned responsibility for vulnerable sectors and connected through dedicated WhatsApp groups to facilitate real-time reporting and coordination.
The district administrations have urged residents to avoid rumours, follow official advisories and cooperate with authorities during the emergency.
Meanwhile, schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri will remain closed on October 28 and 29 as a precautionary measure, the official release said.
