Bhubaneswar: Even as the threat of the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ looms large over the Odisha coast, the state government on Tuesday stepped up measures to deal with the situation ensuring ‘zero casualty.’
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari told the media today that the state government has already made arrangements for evacuation of people from vulnerable areas. He said a coordination meeting has been held with the District Collectors and the preparedness for Cyclone Dana will be reviewed again.
According to the minister, 250 multipurpose cyclone shelters centers have been kept ready with requisite facilities to accommodate people after they are evacuated from vulnerable areas. In addition, 500 temporary shelters have been prepared in schools and colleges. Cooked food and necessary medical services will be provided at these cyclone relief centers.
The Health Department has prepared a list of pregnant women and women, children and the elderly in the vulnerable places have been advised to shift to safer places. Pujari said women police officers will be deployed at relief centers.
Noting that many people express reluctance to leave their homes apprehending theft, the Revenue Minister said the government has decided to intensify police patrolling in vulnerable areas. He said adequate stock of ration has been kept ready along with polythene and other materials and there is no need for the people to panic.
Meanwhile, Odisha Health Services Director Bijay Mohapatra said that leaves of all the doctors have been cancelled in view of the cyclone. He further said that shifting of pregnant women to nearby health centers started from Monday and directives have been issued to keep anti-snake venom injection and diarrhea medicines at all health centers.
