Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has stepped up its disaster preparedness as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the morning of October 26, prompting authorities to prepare for heavy rainfall and possible flooding in vulnerable areas.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a high-level preparedness meeting at the State Emergency Operations Centre conference hall in Rajiv Bhawan to review the state’s readiness to deal with the potential cyclone.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Arabinda Kumar Padhi, senior departmental officials, the Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) officials, the Director General of Police, the Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order) and the Director of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Bhubaneswar. Collectors of potentially affected districts participated through video conferencing.
According to the IMD forecast cited at the meeting, the low-pressure area over the central and adjoining south-east Bay of Bengal is likely to become a depression on October 24 and intensify into a deep depression on October 25. It is very likely to develop into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.
The system is subsequently expected to intensify further and move west-northwestwards towards north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha over the following two days.
Following the review, district Collectors were directed to keep contingency plans and departmental preparedness measures fully operational. Authorities have been instructed to identify vulnerable locations, prepare cyclone shelters and arrange the shifting of people from low-lying areas to safer locations wherever necessary.
With rough sea conditions expected, fishermen who have ventured into the deep sea have been asked to return to shore immediately. Owners of large trawlers and other vessels have also been alerted to the potential threat.
The state government has directed the administration to remain on high alert under its Zero Casualty policy. Personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and Fire Services have been kept ready to respond to emergencies.
The preparedness plan places particular emphasis on protecting pregnant women, new mothers and children in potentially affected areas.
Pregnant women whose expected dates of delivery are approaching are to be identified and shifted in advance to cyclone shelters or nearby District Headquarters Hospitals and Community Health Centres.
The Health Department has been instructed to ensure that hospitals, medical relief centres and mobile health teams are prepared to handle emergencies. Arrangements include emergency medicines, uninterrupted power backup and facilities for emergency deliveries.
OSDMA has also advised authorities to provide safe drinking water, dry food and essential health counselling for pregnant women, new mothers and children staying in cyclone shelters.
The developing weather system is expected to bring rainfall to Odisha from the morning of October 26. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely in several districts between October 26 and 28, according to the forecast outlined at the preparedness meeting.
Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati have been identified as districts likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 27. Rainfall warnings have also been issued for Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi and other districts.
