Berhampur: With the chances of formation of a Cyclone in the Bay of Bengal off Odisha coast by today night getting closer, the Ganjam district administration has initiated hectic preparation to face the fury.
While the depression over the Bay of Bengal has transformed into a Deep Depression, it is expected to turn into a cyclone – to be named Gulab, in the next 12 hours. Winds with speeds up to 90 kilometers per hour are expected to hit the coastal districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri districts in Odisha. The rains can further add more water to the already full rivers in south Odisha and a flood like situation is likely arise.
Acting swiftly, the Ganjam District administration has declared red alert in the district and started pre-cyclone efforts. While all the departments have been kept on alert, all emergency services are being readied. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the seas for the next three days. Gopalpur sea beach has also been closed for visitor.
In a press briefing Ganjam Collector Vijay Amruta Kulange said that the district administration is fully prepared to meet any eventuality arising out of the cyclone storm.
With Mission Zero Casualty approach, all government machinery has been activated in the vulnerable areas for evacuation of the people, he said.
He said that the beaches in the district will remain closed for the people for the next two days.
The Collector, who convened a meeting of the District officials yesterday night also chaired another meeting today meeting and took stock of the situation.
He said, “We will fight with the experience of Titli Cyclone. People from the low laying areas of Baghalati dam and other areas are being taken to safer places. The district administration has already started this evacuation work. The ODRAF and Fire teams are getting ready with men and materials for any eventualities.”
Meanwhile, the formation has transformed into Deep Depression and will become a Cyclone in the next 12 hours. The Met Department has issued red warning to seven districts of the state namely Koraput, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur and Gajapati.
Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in these districts in the next two days. Also, Orange warning has been issued for Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Kalahandi. The Met Department has also issued yellow warning to districts such as Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Boudh, Subernapur, Nuapada, and Balangir which may also get heavy rains.