Bhubaneswar: As Odisha braces up for a possible cyclone amid Covid crisis, just a year after being battered by one of the strongest tropical cyclone named Fani, the State government on Saturday announced to shift migrants lodged in various temporary medical camps after returning from other States.
The State government categorically stated that the officials are ready to combat any situation arising out of the cyclone Amphan even though the entire focus of the entire machinery is on dealing with the Covid-19 challenge.
Additional Chief Secretary, Pradipta Mohapatra today highlighted India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast saying that several parts of coastal Odisha will experience gusty winds and heavy rainfall under the impact of the cyclone.
“Clear instructions have been issued to shift the migrant labourers accommodated in various temporary medical camps in four districts- Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur which are likely to be most affected during the cyclone,” said Mohapatra.
The senior bureaucrat further informed that all migrants in quarantine camps located within 3 km of the coastline in these four districts will be shifted to other safe places by May 18.
As per standard operating procedures, all hospitals in the State have been asked to ensure adequate stock of medicines including anti-snake venom, ORS and other equipment.
Medical teams have been formed and senior officials are regular monitoring developments arising out of present emergency.
While briefing media on the Covid-19 testing in the State, Mohapatra informed that nearly 4700 tests are being conducted on a daily basis and soon the number will cross 5000 by May 20.
“Corona testing will be taken up at Koraput, Bolangir medical colleges from May 23 and the similar facilities will be rolled out in Baripada and Balasore medical colleges by this month end. Apart from this, Animal Husbandry Lab at Khurda (Arugul) will also start conducting Covid-19 testing,” said Mohapatra.
Arrival Of Migrants:
Odisha government has streamlined arrangements for ensuring safe return of stranded migrants from other States. A SOP has been developed to streamline the entire process –from reception at railway station, initial screening, despatch to temporary medical camps or Covid hospitals or Corona Care Centres as per their health condition or symptoms.
So far, 1, 33, 245 migrants have returned to Odisha from other States so far through bus, train and other arrangements. A highest of 55,567 migrants have returned to Ganjam, followed by Balasore (11368), Cuttack (8198), Kendrapara (7457) and Bhadrak (7273).
Odisha To Increase Bed Capacity:
As per latest decision of Odisha government, bed capacity in several quarantine centres and temporary medical camps will be increased in districts which are witnessing a rise in the number of migrants.
Provision of additional 5,000 beds will be made in Ganjam, 1,000 additional beds in Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore. As more than 45% migrants have returned to Ganjam district, additional Corona Care Centres have been set up at Hinjili, Sitalpur, Bhanjanagar and Chatrapur.
You May Like To Read: COVID cases in Odisha will touch 11K by June 6: IIT Delhi
(Edited by Suryakant Jena)