Cyclone Alert in Odisha: Schools Shut in Five South Districts

Odisha has put its disaster response machinery in motion as a cyclone approaches the coast. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state's preparations at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on October 24 and said the government is determined to keep casualties at zero, as it did in earlier emergencies.

The Chief Minister said the state has gained strong experience in managing cyclones and floods. He pointed to the handling of cyclones Dana and Montha and multiple flood situations as examples of effective response, adding that the same experience is guiding the current plan.

The Meteorological Department has forecast that the cyclone may hit the coast between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, though the Andhra Pradesh coast is considered more likely to be struck. Heavy rain and winds of 80 to 90 kilometres per hour are expected in many districts of Odisha.

The districts of Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri in south Odisha are expected to be hit hardest. Schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. Other districts will follow decisions made by their collectors based on local conditions.

Cyclone and flood shelters are fully equipped to receive people from risk zones. Special attention is being given to moving patients and pregnant women to secure health centres before the storm arrives.

The state has placed about 60 ODRAF teams, 17 NDRF teams and 225 fire service teams on high alert across its districts. Fishermen have been barred from venturing into the sea through a formal warning. Health centres in affected areas have been instructed to keep anti-snake venom injections, medicines and medical kits available.

All engineering departments are prepared for emergencies, with arrangements in place to quickly clear trees fallen on roads and restore movement.

Farmers have been urged to remain alert, complete the paddy harvest and store produce in safe places.

The Chief Minister has asked all departments to work together under a 'whole of government approach'. The review meeting included Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner, the DG Fire Services and senior officials from several departments.