Odisha Fully Prepared To Face Cyclone: SRC

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is fully prepared to face the cyclonic storm brewing in the Bay of Bengal that may impact northern Odisha districts anytime between 19th May to 21st May. A high level review meeting was held today in the Lok Seva Bhawan under Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy to take stock of the situation. Twelve coastal districts of the state have been ordered to stay alert for any eventuality. While four districts of Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Balasore and Bhadrak may be impacted due to the Cyclone, all twelve coastal districts have been advised to remain ready.

Speaking to media after the review meeting, Special Relief Commissioner P K Jena said that the exact picture of the cyclonic storm has not been ascertained yet. The Cyclone may cross the coast anywhere between Balasore and Bangladesh. A clear picture will emerge only after 48 hours.

The district administrations in the coastal districts have been advised to arrange alternate shelters if required for the people to be evacuated from the low laying areas as some of the cyclone shelters have been converted into Quarantine centers. Government schools and buildings can readied as cyclone centers in case of emergencies.

By today evening it will become a depression and by tomorrow it will transform into a cyclonic storm. It will move North Westerdly direction and after 17th it will recurve towards North-North East. The state disaster management mechanism has been activated and all districts have been alerted. Standard drill has been initiated.

The review meeting was attended by DGP Abhay, DG Fire Services, representatives from ODRAF and NDRF. The Collectors of Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Balasore and Bhadrak also took part through Video Conferencing in the meeting. While the fishermen have been warned not to venture into deep sea from today, all who are presently in the seas are advised to return back by 17th. Rains may occur in the southern districts of the state by 18th May.

As the standing crop may get affected due to the rains, district administrations have been advised to take precautionary measures. The Energy Department has also been advised to stay prepared to face any disruptions. All leaves of government officials in the four northern districts have been cancelled.