Bhubaneswar: The state government is fully prepared to face the impending cyclone brewing in the Bay of Bengal that is likely to impact the state.
This was stated by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari during a review meeting on cyclone preparedness Saturday.
The meeting, chaired by the minister, was also attended by Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh and Collectors of likely affected districts.
Briefing reporters after the meeting at Rajiv Bhawan here, Pujari said that according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Bhubaneswar, the system over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression.
Though its exact path is yet to be confirmed, it is expected to bring heavy rainfall over south and coastal Odisha between October 27 and 29, affecting around 15 districts.
He assured that the state government has taken all precautionary measures based on past experiences.
NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services teams have been kept on alert.
Coordination has been established among key departments, including Agriculture, Water Resources, Energy, Panchayati Raj, Health, Cooperation, Rural Development and Animal Resources.
Vulnerable low-lying areas have been identified, and cyclone shelters have been equipped with food, drinking water, cattle feed and essential medicines.
Evacuation will be carried out if required. Pujari also informed that the government is equally focused on protecting both life and property, with special attention to possible landslides and urban flooding.
He urged people to remain in touch with official updates and avoid panic.
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The SRC advised the public to rely only on government-issued information, assuring that continuous updates on the cyclone will be provided through all official channels.
Meanwhile, Director of Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar, Manorama Mohanty said a red warning of rains and wind has been issued in certain districts of southern and coastal districts for October 28 and 29.
While red alert (rainfall of 20 cm and above) has been issued for Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri, orange warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall of 12 cm to 20 cm has been issued for Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, Kalahandi and Nabarangpur October 28.
Similarly, for October 29, the IMD issued a red warning for Rayagada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri and an orange warning for Gajapati, Ganjam, Kandhamal, Boudh, Bolangir and Nuapada.
Nine other districts have been identified under a yellow warning area where rainfall of 7 cm to 11 cm is likely to occur, she said.
