Bhubaneswar: Odisha is prone to multiple and recurring disasters. Especially, it is more prone to floods and cyclones. Last year, 24 districts were affected by floods & heavy rain. “We managed it successfully,” Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said.
Addressing the meeting of the State Level Natural Calamity Committee, Naveen said, “For exemplary preparedness and management of disasters, Odisha has been awarded Netaji Subash Chandra Bose Award for the year, 2023 by the Government of India.”
He further added, “The tragic Train Accident at Bahanaga, Balasore, is still vivid, in our memory. 292 people died and hundreds of passengers were injured. The state responded quickly, rescued the trapped passengers & shifted injured persons to hospitals through a green corridor mobilising hundreds of doctors and paramedics thereby saved thousands of lives.”
“After the severe and extended heatwaves during April to June, we have got respite with the onset of the South-West Monsoon. The period from June to October is a crucial period for us during which drought, flood or cyclone may occur.”
“We have to review our preparedness at all levels to tackle the possible flood and cyclones. And, also we should remain prepared for any other kind of exigencies. Adequate measures in respect of early warning systems, rescue and relief operations, supply of drinking water, and health and veterinary services must be put in place. ODRAF units and Fire Services should remain alert for immediate response at any place any time.”
Control Rooms in Districts and Departments shall be functional round the clock. SATARK web and mobile app has been developed to disseminate real-time weather and disaster-related updates. This should be a single-window platform to communicate location-based information on all disasters to citizens to save precious human lives.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department will store sufficient quantity of food materials. Fisheries and ARD Department will store adequate cattle feed in vulnerable and inaccessible areas. Provision for green fodder and opening of cattle camps during floods must be ensured.
“Collectors will give special attention to vulnerable people like pregnant women, physically and mentally challenged, young children, widows and the elderly during rescue and relief operations,” the CM said and added, “There should be immediate clearance of relief lines, repair and restoration of lifeline infrastructure and restoration of livelihoods in the aftermath of disasters.”
