Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said the state government was fully prepared to ensure zero casualties as a cyclone approaches the coast, with schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in five southern districts ordered to remain closed on October 28 and 29.
After reviewing cyclone preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi said the state would draw on its experience in managing previous disasters to protect lives and minimise the impact of the approaching storm.
“With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualties this time as well,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the media.
He said Odisha had successfully managed cyclones Dana and Montha, along with several flood situations, and was prepared to respond to the latest threat.
According to information from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, although the probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast is higher, Majhi said.
Under the system’s influence, several districts of Odisha are likely to experience heavy rainfall, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 80 to 90 kmph. Southern Odisha is expected to face heavier rainfall and stronger winds.
Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are likely to be the worst-affected districts, while other coastal districts may also receive rainfall.
The government has ordered the closure of schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these five districts on October 28 and 29. Collectors in other districts will decide on school and college closures depending on the evolving situation.
The Chief Minister also said cyclone and flood shelters had been prepared to accommodate people evacuated from vulnerable areas. Special attention is being given to shifting patients and pregnant women to healthcare facilities.
The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been mobilised for emergency operations.
Around 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams have been deployed, while 225 fire service teams remain on high alert.
Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. Health authorities have also been instructed to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom injections, medicines and medical kits at healthcare centres in the affected areas.
All engineering departments have been directed to remain ready for immediate restoration work following the cyclone. Arrangements have been made to remove fallen trees promptly if they block roads, Majhi said.
With the harvesting season approaching, the Chief Minister stressed the need to alert farmers and raise awareness about harvesting and safely storing crops ahead of the cyclone.
He also directed all concerned state government departments to coordinate their efforts and manage the situation through a “Whole of Government Approach”.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner, the Director General of Fire Services, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue Department, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, the Health Secretary, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officials attended the preparedness review meeting.
