Bhubaneswar: As many as 52 NDRF teams will be pressed into service in post cyclone rescue and relief operations. 22 teams have already arrived while 30 more will reach the State by tonight.
Similarly, 50 to 60 ODRAF Teams and 175 to 200 fire tenders have been kept prepared which will coordinate with the NDRF personnel in the rescue and relief operations.
As many as 35 tree cutting teams have been kept ready. Similarly, 165 teams from Works department and 165 teams from Rural Development department have been constituted which will be engaged in the cyclone management.
Cyclone Yaas LIVE Updates: All you need to know
Stressing on zero casualty during the calamity, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradip Jena said focus has been given to the early evacuation of people from vulnerable areas.
Also Read
People residing in vulnerable districts-mostly Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak and Mayurbhanj, will be evacuated to safe places. Those living in kutcha houses will be shifted to the cyclone shelters. The process of evacuation will be completed by tomorrow afternoon, he said.
“The collectors of the sensitive districts to be affected by the calamity have been instructed to commence evacuation process keeping in mind the prevailing weather condition in their respective areas,” Jena said.
He further suggested the Collectors to take the evacuation of people seriously and wind up the process by tomorrow afternoon.
The SRC further directed the contractors to shift construction workers from temporary camps at construction sites to safe places.
The commissioner also stressed on the strict adherence to covid protocols at all cyclone centres.
Anganwadi and ASHA workers will remain present in the cyclone centres due to covid situation. All people will be provided with masks and they should use it while staying in the cyclone centres, he added.
The wind speed with gusting usually remains for some hours even after landfall of the cyclone. “We urge people to remain indoors till the cyclone gets over completely,” the SRC said while appealing people not to venture out of their houses during cyclone to collect mangoes and jackfruits in the orchards.
Boys usually take bike and cycle ride during rain and wind. “Their parents should prevent them from such activities and keep them indoors for their safety,” Jena added.
People should store drinking water for some days ahead of the cyclone and should avoid fetching water from open well and tube well during cyclone.