Odisha govt gears-up for impending cyclone Arnab, cancels officials’ leaves as IMD issues heavy to very heavy rainfall warning

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Bhubaneswar: Odisha government has geared-up and made elaborate arrangements, including cancelation of the government officials, to successfully tackle the impending cyclone Arnab, which as predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is likely to move towards north Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha Coasts.

While addressing a press meet, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Kumar Pujari said, “Thought the IMD has not forecasted where will the possible cyclone would make landfall, but from the preliminary prediction it is suspected to land between Gopalpur of Odisha and Kakinada of Andhra Pradesh and is likely to head towards Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand in circular motion. Therefore, the State government has made elaborate arrangement.”

“A preparatory meeting of the officials of all the concerned department, who work in coordination during any natural disasters, was held. Chief Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) along with several senior officials were present in the meeting,” he informed adding all the concerned departments have already prepared their own roadmaps in the district-level to face the possible cyclone. The district collectors will further strengthen their preparation tomorrow.

“Leaves of all the government officials who took in leaves in view of Dussehra celebrations have been canceled and they have been directed to join duty soon. All of them have been directed to remain present in the preparation work tomorrow and the concerned officials will convene meeting for the administrative readiness of the BDOs, Tahsildars and field officers,” he added.

The Minister further said, “The vulnerable areas which are likely to be affected the most are being identified and accordingly actions will be taken. Focus will also be given on the nearby localities to keep them on safer side.”

“Officials have been directed to keep the cyclone and flood shelters ready. Besides, the fishermen have been advised to return from the sea by tomorrow morning. Owners of the trawlers also are requested not to put the lives of their fishermen in danger rather bring them back to the seashore by tomorrow morning, or else they will face stringent action. The Coast Guards and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams will be deployed at various locations to keep a close vigil on them,” Pujari mentioned.

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“Arrangements also have been made to evacuate people to safer places, if necessary. Apart from the government buses, private buses and also boats will be engaged to evacuate people wherever needed,” he added.

Further he said, “Food, water, medicine, child food and other arrangements will be put in place for the people who would be evacuated. The pregnant women with expected date of delivery (EDD) within two to three weeks will be shifted to government hospitals. If needed, additional medical staff will be engaged in those hospitals. Besides, directions have been issued to store pure drinking water and animal foods in the places which are expected to be affected by the impending cyclone.”

He also clarified that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Odisha Fire and Emergency Services teams have been put on alert and will soon be deployed as per the necessity.

“Officials also have been directed to use the social medial platforms and other information technology for awareness of the general people,” Pujari directed.

The Disaster Management Minister urged people not to be panicked, rather stay alert and cooperate with the state government. “The state government and district administrations are completely prepared. Therefore, people should not be panicked or worried, rather help and cooperate with the government. Stay alert and keep yourself, your family members, children, women and elderly people safe,” he advised.

Also Read: Cyclone Likely To Hit Odisha-Andhra Coast On October 28: IMD

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