Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness to tackle a possible cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, directing district administrations to keep contingency plans ready, evacuate vulnerable people to safe locations and ensure emergency healthcare facilities are fully operational.
A high-level preparedness meeting, chaired by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, was held at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) conference hall in Rajiv Bhavan on Friday to review the state’s readiness in view of the evolving weather system.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, senior officials of various departments, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) officials, the Director General of Police, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), the IMD Bhubaneswar director and Collectors of potentially affected districts attended the meeting, with the district officials joining through video conferencing.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24 and a deep depression on October 25. It is highly likely to further intensify into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26, before moving west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts over the following two days.
Reviewing the preparedness measures, Pujari directed Collectors to ensure that all departments remain on alert and that contingency plans are implemented without delay.
With rough sea conditions prevailing, fishermen venturing into the deep sea have been advised to return to the coast immediately. Owners of large trawlers and ships have also been cautioned against the prevailing conditions.
The OSDMA has directed district administrations to identify people living in low-lying areas and shift them to safer locations. Cyclone shelters are to be kept ready, with essential facilities and emergency response arrangements in place.
Special emphasis has been laid on the safety of pregnant women and newborns. Pregnant women whose expected dates of delivery are approaching in potentially affected areas are to be identified and shifted in advance to cyclone shelters or nearby district headquarters hospitals and community health centres.
The Health Department has been asked to ensure the availability of emergency medicines, mobile health teams, medical relief centres, backup power supply and facilities for emergency deliveries. Cyclone shelters are also to make special arrangements for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children, including safe drinking water, dry food and essential health counselling.
The government has adopted a zero-casualty approach and directed the administration to remain fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.
Under the influence of the developing weather system, rainfall is expected to begin in Odisha from the morning of October 26, with heavy to very heavy rain likely in several districts on October 26, 27 and 28.
For October 27, Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts have been identified as areas of particular concern for heavy to very heavy rainfall, according to the preparedness statement. Rainfall alerts have also been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Baleswar, Kendujhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and other districts.
The government is using WhatsApp and other mass communication platforms to disseminate information and sensitise people about the developing situation. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Service personnel have been kept on standby.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with the administration and avoid spreading or acting on rumours, relying instead on official weather bulletins and government advisories.
