Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up its cyclone preparedness and deployed disaster response teams in six southern districts amid the possibility of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensifying into a cyclonic storm, officials said on Sunday.
A total of 27 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and six National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been earmarked for deployment across the vulnerable districts, while evacuation measures, emergency control rooms and cyclone shelters have been put in place as part of the state government’s zero-casualty strategy.
A high-level preparedness meeting was held at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) conference hall at Rajiv Bhavan here under the chairmanship of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, senior officials and the Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar, attended the meeting. Collectors of six potentially affected districts also participated via video conference.
According to the weather department, the system is more likely to make landfall along the north Andhra Pradesh coast, with its impact expected to bring heavy rainfall to several districts of southern Odisha.
The districts identified as particularly vulnerable are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Nabarangpur. Other coastal districts may also receive rainfall.
Addressing the meeting, Pujari directed officials to attend meetings from their respective workplaces instead of travelling to headquarters whenever possible.
He also asked officials to establish district-level WhatsApp groups to ensure prompt communication of routine reports, emerging problems, emergencies and important developments. Regular and accurate communication with the media was also emphasised to prevent misinformation and communication gaps.
The minister directed officials to treat people taking shelter in relief centres as honoured guests and ensure adequate arrangements for healthcare, food and other essential requirements. Special attention should be given to infants, including the availability of milk and baby food, he said.
Officials were also instructed to treat displaced people with kindness, sensitivity and compassion.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assigned two Deputy Chief Ministers and six ministers to oversee cyclone preparedness, relief and response operations in eight districts.
The designated ministers will guide the respective district administrations and help coordinate preparedness and response measures from October 27 to 29.
Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister, has been assigned Koraput, while Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida will oversee Rayagada. Minister Rabi Narayan Naik has been assigned Kandhamal, Bibhuti Bhushan Jena Ganjam, Suryabanshi Suraj Gajapati, Krushna Chandra Patra Nabarangpur, Nityananda Gond Malkangiri and Mukesh Mahaling Kalahandi.
The assignments are aimed at expediting evacuation, relief and rescue operations and ensuring close coordination between the district administrations and the state government.
As a precautionary measure, the government has decided to close schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the six vulnerable districts. Leave for district-level officials has been cancelled, and they have been directed to remain at their respective headquarters to respond to the evolving situation.
Round-the-clock control rooms have been made operational at district emergency operations centres, blocks, tehsils and urban local bodies. Toll-free and district-specific helpline numbers have also been made available to the public.
Authorities are identifying people living in kutcha houses, huts and low-lying areas and shifting them to safer locations, including cyclone shelters.
Pregnant women whose expected delivery dates are approaching are being identified and moved in advance to nearby hospitals, Community Health Centres, Primary Health Centres and maternity homes. Special arrangements are also being made for elderly people, children and persons with disabilities.
According to the deployment details provided by the authorities, Ganjam has been allocated nine ODRAF teams and two NDRF teams, while Gajapati has six ODRAF teams and one NDRF team.
Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have each been allocated three ODRAF teams and one NDRF team. The information provided for Nabarangpur mentions three emergency-response teams but does not specify their force affiliation.
The district-wise figures require further verification, as the listed allocations account for 27 ODRAF teams and five NDRF teams, against the stated overall deployment of 27 ODRAF teams and six NDRF teams.
A complete ban on fishing at sea has been imposed as a precautionary measure. Tourist movement has also been restricted at hills, waterfalls, dams and other tourist destinations in the six southern districts to minimise risks during the anticipated adverse weather conditions.
The Agriculture Department has advised farmers to harvest paddy, maize, ragi and other crops that have reached 80-85 per cent maturity and store them in safe places. Agricultural helpline numbers have also been made available to assist farmers in taking precautionary measures.
The departments concerned have been directed to ensure the chlorination of drinking water and maintain adequate stocks of essential medicines in hospitals, including anti-snake venom injections and chlorine tablets.
Additional equipment has been kept ready for the speedy restoration of electricity and communication services in the event of disruptions.
The Animal Resources Department will arrange for livestock to be moved to safe locations wherever necessary. Mobile veterinary teams will provide emergency treatment, while fodder will be distributed to animals in affected areas.
The state government has urged people not to pay heed to rumours and to follow official instructions and weather advisories.
Officials have been directed to maintain close coordination and ensure that evacuation, relief, rescue and emergency services remain operational throughout the period of anticipated adverse weather.
The government has reiterated its commitment to the zero-casualty objective and instructed all concerned departments and district administrations to remain prepared to respond promptly to any emergency.
