Bhubaneswar, 24 October (H.S.): Odisha is fully prepared to tackle the approaching cyclone, with the state government prioritising public safety and aiming to ensure zero casualties, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday after reviewing the preparedness of the state machinery at Lok Seva Bhawan.

“With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualties this time as well,” the Chief Minister said, expressing confidence in the state’s disaster management arrangements.

Majhi said Odisha had gained considerable experience in managing cyclones and floods. The state had successfully handled cyclones Dana and Montha, along with several flood situations, and was prepared to meet the emerging challenge through coordinated action by all departments.

According to information from the India Meteorological Department, the cyclone is likely to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, although the probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast is higher, he said.

The system is expected to bring heavy rainfall to several parts of Odisha, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of around 80–90 kmph. Southern districts are likely to experience heavier rainfall and stronger winds.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri have been identified as districts likely to be among the worst affected, while other coastal districts may also receive rainfall.

As a precautionary measure, schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in these five districts will remain closed on October 28 and 29. In other districts, the respective Collectors will take decisions on the closure of educational institutions according to the evolving situation.

The Chief Minister said cyclone and flood shelters had been made ready to accommodate people in vulnerable areas. Special arrangements were being made to shift patients and pregnant women to health facilities to ensure their safety during the cyclone.

Around 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed, while 225 Fire Services teams have been placed on high alert to respond to emergencies.

Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea. The Health Department has also been instructed to ensure adequate stocks of anti-snake venom injections, essential medicines and medical kits at health centres in vulnerable areas.

Restoration and Crop Protection Measures

The Chief Minister said all engineering departments had been directed to remain prepared for immediate restoration work in the event of damage to infrastructure. Special arrangements have been made to clear fallen trees and remove obstructions from roads at the earliest to ensure the movement of emergency vehicles and the restoration of connectivity.

With the harvesting season approaching, Majhi urged officials to alert farmers and create awareness about harvesting and safely storing their crops to minimise potential losses.

He called upon all departments to work in close coordination and manage the cyclone through a “Whole of Government Approach”, stressing the importance of preparedness, swift response and coordinated action.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the Chief Secretary, the Development Commissioner, the Director General of Fire Services, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Energy Department, the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department, the Health Secretary, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and other senior officials attended the review meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda