Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Saturday said the state government was fully prepared to deal with the impending cyclone and expressed confidence that it would achieve zero casualties this time as well, drawing on its past experience in managing cyclones and floods.
Speaking to the media after reviewing cyclone preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi said the state had gained considerable experience in handling natural disasters. He cited the successful management of previous cyclones, including Dana and Montha, as well as several flood situations.
According to information from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is likely to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha October 28, although the Andhra Pradesh coast has a higher probability of being the landfall point, the Chief Minister said.
Under the cyclone’s influence, several districts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 80 to 90 kmph. Southern Odisha districts are expected to bear the brunt of the adverse weather, with heavier rainfall and stronger winds, he added.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are likely to be among the worst-affected districts, while other coastal districts may also receive rainfall, Majhi said.
The state government has decided to keep schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres closed in these five districts October 28 and 29. District Collectors in other districts will take appropriate decisions on the closure of educational institutions depending on the evolving situation, he added.
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Majhi said cyclone and flood shelters had been readied to evacuate people to safer locations. Special emphasis was being placed on shifting patients and pregnant women to healthcare facilities in advance.
As part of the preparedness measures, 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.Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. The government has also instructed officials to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom injections, essential medicines and medical kits at all health centres in the potentially affected areas.
All engineering departments have been directed to remain prepared for immediate restoration work in the event of damage caused by the cyclone. Special arrangements have been made for the prompt removal of fallen trees blocking roads, the Chief Minister said.
With the harvesting season approaching, Majhi urged farmers to harvest their crops in advance, wherever feasible, and store them safely to minimise potential losses.
He also directed all concerned state government departments to work in close coordination and respond to the cyclone threat through a coordinated, whole-of-government approach.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner, the Director General of Fire Services, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officials attended the review meeting.
