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Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 (IANS) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday reiterated that his government aims to ensure ‘zero casualties’ as the state braces for severe cyclonic storm Montha, which is expected to cross the Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam near Kakinada during the evening or night of October 28.
Chief Minister Majhi on Tuesday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the state’s preparedness in view of the approaching cyclonic storm, which is likely to bring heavy rains and strong winds in several southern and coastal districts.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclonic system is expected to further intensify and move north-westwards, with its impact likely to be felt in eight districts – Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Kandhamal, Malkangiri, Nayagarh and Puri.
The Chief Minister has issued strict instructions to officials to ensure that not a single person remains in any sensitive or low-lying area and everyone is evacuated to cyclone and flood shelters or other safe places. Majhi said the state government is fully prepared to deal with any emergency situation arising out of the cyclone.
“As always, our top priority is to ensure zero casualties and complete safety of people in the affected areas,” he said.
The government has identified 2,048 cyclone shelters and made all arrangements to evacuate people from vulnerable areas to safe places. So far, more than 11,396 people have been shifted to safety from lower and higher risk areas in the eight districts placed under the Red Zone category.
The Chief Minister said that if needed, another 30,554 people would be evacuated.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and will take additional steps if necessary,” he said, adding that special attention was being paid to the safety of pregnant women and the elderly.
About 1,871 pregnant women have been shifted to nearby health centres, while another 822 women are being assisted by health and Anganwadi workers. The government aims to shift about 2,693 pregnant women to nearby medical facilities.
Majhi said 30 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, five National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units and 123 fire service teams have been deployed in eight southern districts of the state. Additional teams have been kept on standby in the most sensitive districts.
Fishermen have been strictly advised not to venture into the sea and movement of tourists has been restricted in coastal and hilly areas for the next two to three days. Schools and Anganwadi centers in potentially affected areas have been temporarily closed until further notice.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the arrangements for drinking water, food supplies and emergency medical services to ensure that there is no shortage during or after the impact of the cyclone.
Stressing on the need for close coordination between departments, Majhi said, “We are working closely with central agencies, IMD and Andhra Pradesh government, as the cyclone’s path is expected to touch coastal Andhra before moving towards southern Odisha. Every department has been instructed to be on high alert and respond immediately to any situation.”
He also directed the Agriculture Department to assess the crop damage immediately after the cyclone subsides and ensure adequate compensation to the affected farmers.
–IANS
gyan/pgh