Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic storm over the North Andamans has been officially named Yaas and is moving north – northwesterly direction and likely to cross Odisha-West Bengal coasts on May 26 after turning into a very severe cyclonic storm. Met officials have predicted that the land fall may occur between Paradip and Sagar Islands in the forenoon of 26th May.
Briefing media on the preparedness by Government of Odisha, SRC Pradeep Jena has said that, with the orders of Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, all precautionary measures have been taken to face the cyclone and all coastal districts are prepared for the likely impact. With the instructions of the Chief Minister five senior officers have been deputed to five districts to supervise the relief, rescue, preparedness and response works. They will coordinate with the different offices and institutions of the district and also look after the post cyclone response. Twenty two teams of NDRF, more than 50 ODRAF teams, 175 fire service teams have already been positioned. We have requested the Center to provide another 30 teams of NDRF which has been approved and the teams will arrive by today evening, he said.
For any eventualities about 35 tree cutter teams have also been kept ready. The Works Department has mobilized 165 specialized engineering teams and the Rural Development department has kept ready 313 teams. The water resources department has also readied teams with heavy equipments who will assist the district administrations. Each and every life is precious and the Chief Minister has order the Collectors to protect them. We are evacuating all the people living in kaccha houses to safer places. As the Cyclone is expected to make landfall in Odisha Coast, heavy rains and storm surge can affect the low laying areas. People in those places are requested to cooperate with the administration and move to the cyclone shelters as soon as possible by tomorrow afternoon. Local officials along with local public representatives have been asked to provide food and other essentials. There will be strict adherence to Covid guidelines such as mask and social distancing. People are requested not to venture out during the cyclone time and keep sufficient drinking water and dry food in their homes.