Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed the rainfall caused by the deep depression formed over the Bay of Bengal and its impact at Lok Seva Bhawan here. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Special Relief Commissioner, among others, were present at the meeting.
During the meeting, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil briefed the Chief Minister in detail about the deep depression, the possibility of heavy rainfall and the measures being taken by the government to deal with the situation.
The Chief Minister directed that the government’s sole policy during all natural disasters should be “zero casualty.” He stressed the need for all concerned departments of the state government to coordinate with district administrations and work together to deal with the situation. He accorded the highest priority to the safety of the lives and property of the people.
The Chief Minister directed officials to evacuate people from waterlogged areas to safer locations and provide them with adequate relief. Although there is no possibility of a cyclone, he advised the authorities to maintain the highest level of preparedness and take all precautionary measures.
It was informed at the meeting that heavy rainfall is likely today and tomorrow due to the deep depression, and the situation is expected to improve after September 25.
To deal with the situation, a total of 33 ODRAF teams have been deployed in different districts of the state. Six teams have been deployed in Ganjam, three in Gajapati, six in Koraput, three in Malkangiri, three in Rayagada, two in Kalahandi and one in Balangir. In addition, nine ODRAF teams from the ODRAF unit at Chhatrapur in Ganjam have been kept in reserve.
As rough sea conditions are likely along the coast, Local Warning Signal No. 3 has been hoisted at all ports, and fishermen have been prohibited from venturing into the sea. District administrations have been instructed to ensure 100 per cent compliance with the restriction.
The districts likely to be affected — Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Kalahandi — have been accorded the highest priority. The district administrations and the Revenue Department have also made all necessary preparations in Nuapada, Balangir, Kandhamal, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada.
Emphasis has been laid on keeping district and block emergency operation centres functional round the clock, identifying vulnerable habitations, keeping shelters ready and stocking dry food, baby food, drinking water and sanitation materials. ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services teams have already been deployed and kept ready. Rescue boats, life jackets and power boats have also been kept prepared.
The Water Resources Department is continuously monitoring water levels in rivers and reservoirs, inspecting vulnerable embankment locations and coordinating the controlled release of water wherever necessary.
In urban areas, preparations are also in place to monitor drainage systems, deploy dewatering pumps at low-lying underpasses and undertake traffic diversions wherever required.
The Health and Family Welfare, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Energy, Commerce and Transport, Works, Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development departments have also been directed to remain alert and make all necessary preparations.
Real-time monitoring of the situation is being carried out at both the state and district levels. Continuous watch is being maintained over heavy rainfall, waterlogging, shelters, electricity and drinking water supply, deployment of rescue teams and the status of water reservoirs.
It may be noted that the deep depression formed over the west-central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal has moved westwards at a speed of 12 kmph during the past six hours. As of 5:30 am today, it was located about 150 km south of Gopalpur.
The deep depression is expected to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur, near Kalingapatnam, by tonight. Under its influence, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in several districts of the state.
A Red Warning has been issued for Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam. These districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with winds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph.
Similarly, an Orange Warning has been issued for Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada.
A Yellow Warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur and Boudh.
