Odisha Braces For Cyclone, CM Targets Zero Casualties
Schools, colleges in five districts to remain closed on Oct. 28-29; 60 ODRAF, 17 NDRF and 225 fire service teams on alert
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is bracing for a possible cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday directing all departments to work in close coordination to ensure zero casualties and minimise damage.
Reviewing the state's preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi said the weather system was expected to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha around October 28, although the probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast was higher, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The system is likely to bring heavy rainfall and winds reaching 80-90 kmph, with south Odisha districts expected to bear the brunt. Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been identified as particularly vulnerable.
Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Collectors in other districts will decide on educational institution closures depending on the evolving situation.
The IMD has forecast intensifying rainfall from October 26, with heavy to very heavy showers likely on October 27 and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places on October 28 and 29.
The Chief Minister said Odisha's experience in managing cyclones Dana and Montha, besides previous floods, would help the administration respond effectively. He directed officials to ensure timely evacuation of people from vulnerable areas and make cyclone and flood shelters fully functional.
The state has placed around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams on alert.
Special arrangements are being made to shift patients and pregnant women to healthcare facilities. Health centres in vulnerable areas have been instructed to stock anti-snake venom, essential medicines and medical kits.
Engineering departments have been directed to remain ready for rapid restoration of essential services and clearance of roads blocked by uprooted trees. Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea.
With the harvesting season approaching, Majhi also asked officials to alert farmers and advise them to harvest and safely store crops wherever feasible to prevent losses.
Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari and senior government officials attended the review meeting.
The Chief Minister called for a coordinated, whole-of-government response, stressing that preparedness, timely warnings and prompt action would be crucial to achieving the state's zero-casualty objective.
