Odisha’s disaster-ready model activated amid possible cyclone threat: Minister

The Odisha government has geared up for any eventuality arising from a possible cyclone. State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari informed on Friday that all necessary preparations have been made to deal with potential weather emergencies.

Also Read: Cyclone threat looms large as low pressure forms over Bay of Bengal; will Odisha be impacted?

“Odisha is a disaster-prone state, and we are prepared to handle any adverse situation,” Minister Pujari said. Special instructions have been issued to the key departments, such as Energy and Health, to ensure rapid response during the anticipated emergencies.

According to IMD forecasts, the southern, interior, and western parts of Odisha are likely to experience moderate to heavy rainfall as a result of a low-pressure system developing over the Bay of Bengal. The Minister reiterated that the State government is closely coordinating with the Agriculture and Energy departments and has taken all precautionary steps to safeguard the lives and properties of the people.

“Regarding the impact (of cyclone) on farmlands and any crop loss, we are in touch with the departments concerned. Most of the time, cyclones cause power outages and the Energy Department is affected. Hence, we are also in constant touch with the Department,” the Revenue Minister expressed while speaking to mediapersons.

“Based on forecasts, preparedness planning is done by the Revenue Department, but it is the district administration that executes it by giving adequate protection to the people and by evacuating them,” Minister Pujari stated.

When asked if the leave of government employees is to be cancelled for the impending cyclone or not, the Minister further said, “Such a situation has not come yet. We are now on October 24, and the cyclone has been predicted to occur between October 28 and 29. We have enough time to take a decision on that.”