Berhampur: Soon after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced the cyclonic storm ‘Titli’, its immediate impact was visible in the prices of vegetables, fruits and other essential commodities which soared.
Consumers are being forced to pay more than the normal price for vegetables after the cyclonic storm was predicted. This has panicked the shoppers who flocked the daily markets to buy essentials before their prices skyrocket further. On the other hand, consumers feared scarcity of vegetables as the storm could affect imports.
Farmers, on the other hand, are apprehensive of damage to the crop which is in a flowering stage at several places. Many parts of the district have been hit by rain since Tuesday evening.
While the recent torrential rains due to low pressure last month had left a trail of loss for farmers in the district, the impending Titli cast a gloomy picture on their future.
Meanwhile, on the orders of the Chief Minister, the district administration buckled up and put all measures in place for relief and rescue operations, if need be.
When contacted, Ganjam District Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said special directives were issued to the ground-level staff to remain on high alert.
All officials starting from block development officers (BDO), Tehsildars, sarpanches and panchayat body members were advised to focus on the vulnerable areas like Chikiti, Rangeilunda and Chhatrapur close to the sea. Steps were being taken to evacuate people living in thatched houses.
“Places from where people need to be evacuated were identified and the shifting process will be completed by tomorrow morning. Proper medical and food facilities will be made available at the temporary shelter sheds,” Kulange added.
If required the schools and anganwadi centres will be used as shelter homes during emergency, in case of a capacity crunch, said Kulange.
The deep depression is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm and cross Odisha coast near Gopalpur October 11 morning. By Tuesday evening, the deep depression was located 510-km south-east of Gopalpur and it was predicted that it would further intensify into a cyclonic storm. Under its influence, heavy rainfall is likely at one or more places in the district. The wind speed might go up to 100 km/hr when Titli crosses Ganjam district, it was anticipated.
Officials of the line departments have been asked to remain present in their offices. They have already started shifting people from seaside villages to cyclone shelters and other high-rise buildings. Dry food, medicines and other essential commodities have been stocked in cyclone shelters and government offices. Local youth clubs have also made arrangements for people’s safety in coastal villages.
PNN