Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said the state government was fully prepared to tackle the impending cyclone and aimed to ensure zero casualties, citing its experience in managing previous cyclones and floods.
“With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualty this time as well,” Majhi told the media after reviewing the state’s preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan.
The Chief Minister said the state had successfully managed cyclones Dana and Montha, besides handling several flood situations, and was prepared to deal with the impending weather system with a coordinated response.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, with a higher probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast, he said.
The system is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in several districts, accompanied by winds reaching 80-90 kmph. Southern Odisha districts are likely to bear the brunt, particularly Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Other coastal districts are also likely to receive rainfall, Majhi said.
The state government has decided to keep schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres closed in these five districts on October 28 and 29. Collectors in other districts will take appropriate decisions on closure of educational institutions based on the evolving situation.
The Chief Minister said cyclone and flood shelters had been readied to evacuate people to safer locations, with special emphasis on shifting patients and pregnant women to health facilities.
Around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed, while 225 fire service teams have been kept on high alert to respond to emergencies.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. The government has also directed health centres in vulnerable areas to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom, medicines and medical kits.
All engineering departments have been asked to remain prepared for immediate restoration work, including the prompt clearance of uprooted trees blocking roads, Majhi said.
With the harvesting season approaching, the Chief Minister also called for advance awareness among farmers to ensure timely harvesting and safe storage of crops to minimise potential losses.
He directed all departments to work in close coordination under a “Whole of Government” approach to effectively manage the impending cyclone and minimise its impact.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, the Development Commissioner, Director General of Fire Services, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue and Disaster Management, Additional Chief Secretary of Energy, Principal Secretary of Water Resources, Health Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officers attended the review meeting.
