Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, reviewed the response to Cyclone Monsoon at Lok Seva Bhavan today. He directed officials that the only goal in every disaster is zero casualty.
Even though the cyclone is passing through Andhra Pradesh, there is a possibility of heavy rain and wind in various districts of Odisha, especially in the districts of South Odisha.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure no one is left behind in any danger area and everyone is shifted to cyclone-flood shelters or other safe places.
He recalled the successful evacuation and zero casualty achieved during last year’s Cyclone Dana, noting that migration of people from cyclone-affected areas is a key strategy. He advised giving top priority to this.
The Chief Minister directed engineering departments to be fully prepared so essential systems can be restored immediately. He also directed preparation to prevent roads from being blocked by uprooted trees.
The Chief Minister said now is the time for harvesting crops and directed the Agriculture Department to immediately assess damage and provide necessary assistance to farmers after the storm.
He noted that regular reviews have been conducted under the chairmanship of the Revenue Minister for the last three days. He advised Divisional Secretaries and District Collectors to monitor all preparations properly.
From the meeting, it was revealed that the storm will have the maximum impact on 8 districts: Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur.
2048 cyclone-flood shelters have been prepared. So far, 11,396 people have been evacuated in 8 districts, with plans to evacuate another 30,554 people if required. 1871 pregnant women have also been evacuated to health centers, and another 822 will be evacuated, bringing the total to 2693.
30 ODRAF, 5 NDRF, and 123 firefighting teams have been deployed, with more teams on alert.
Schools and Anganwadi centers have been closed in the 8 affected districts till the 30th, with the holiday period subject to extension.
Engineering departments are ready to ensure uninterrupted power and drinking water supply. DG sets are ready in essential service establishments. Sufficient Sapkamuda injections, medicines, and treatment kits are ready in health centers.
Tourists have been banned from visiting the sea and hilly areas till the 31st. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea.