Nearly 4.5 lakh people evacuated, process is on to relocate 11.5 lakh: SRC Bishnupada Sethi 

At what time and where the extreme severe cyclone Fani will make its landfall ?

As per the prediction of IMD, the cyclonic storm likely to make landfall near Puri town in between 8am to 10 am Friday and will continue till 12 pm.  The storm will have an intensity of 180 kmph during the landfall.

Which areas will be affected due to the storm?

All coastal districts and its adjourning districts including Gajapati, Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, Kandhamal, Rayagada, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj will be affected due to the cyclone. Heavy rainfall is likely to occur in these districts.

What preparedness has been made to ensure safety of people?

All efforts are being made to ensure zero causality. Top priority is being given for evacuation of people residing in kutchha houses, vulnerable and low lying areas. A target has been set to evacuate nearly 11.5 lakh people, of which 4.5 lakh have been shifted till evening to cyclone shelters and safer locations. Mass awareness campaigning by our agencies and NDRF is being conducted for shifting of the people from vulnerable areas.

What actions have been taken for rescue and relief operations? Will armed forces and choppers to be deployed?

As many 25 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 18 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams have been stationed at various parts of the state for the operations. Besides, our fire service personnel along with equipments are also in high readiness.  As per armed forces is concerned, Navy has deployed three ships while two choppers have been kept in standby mode.

Any measures taken for early restoration work?

Apart from ODRAF, NDRF and fire personnel, different departments like energy, water resources have engaged their personnel for restoration works. Once the cyclone passes, these personnel will start the restoration work.   Telecom operators including BSNL, Airtel and Jio have been instructed to ensure restoration of defunct telephone towers as soon possible.