Odisha Successfully Managed Natural Disasters Due to Effective Preparedness and Appropriate Timely Response: Naveen

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asserted that the Odisha Government has been able to successfully manage natural disasters due to its effective preparedness and appropriate timely response.

Giving his opening remarks at the State Level Natural Calamity Committee meeting, the Chief Minister said, “Our State experienced multiple natural disasters during the preceding year 2018-19 including the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm “TITLI”.  At the beginning of this year, we faced Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm “FANI”. We have been able to successfully manage these disasters due to our effective preparedness and appropriate timely response”.
In fact, Odisha has set high global standards in disaster management, he said.

In view of the prediction of the India Meteorological Department for a normal Monsoon this year, chances of flooding would also be there. Enhanced preparedness has to be ensured at all levels to meet any eventuality, the CM stated.

At the same time, the State has to remain fully prepared for any drought situation. Water Resources Department must ensure that all the breaches in the embankments are closed, Naveen urged.

He also insisted the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire Service Organisation to remain fully prepared with boats and other rescue equipment.

The CM instructed the Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department to take necessary steps for pre-positioning of adequate food materials.

Rural Development and Housing & Urban Development Departments have to make necessary prior arrangements for supply of safe drinking water, Naveen directed.
Sufficient temporary shelter materials must be stored in the district, the CM said in his remarks at the meeting.

He also instructed the Health & Family Welfare Department to make necessary advance arrangements to take care of health and hygiene in the flood affected areas to prevent outbreak of any epidemic.

Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department should take similar steps for the bovine population, he added.

The Chief Minister also urged all Departments to remain in utmost preparedness for immediate restoration of public utilities.