Bhubaneswar, 26 October (H.S.): The Odisha government has prepared a micro-level action plan to deal with the impending cyclone and established round-the-clock control rooms at the state and district levels, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, Pujari said rainfall was expected across all 30 districts of the state, with heavy precipitation likely in some areas. He emphasised that Odisha could experience the impact of the weather system even if the cyclone makes landfall in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.

Malkangiri is likely to be among the worst-affected districts, the minister said, adding that the government had intensified preparedness measures to minimise the potential impact of the cyclone and associated rainfall.

The minister said control rooms had been established at both the state and district levels to monitor the evolving situation 24 hours a day. Ministers and senior officials have also been deployed in the field to oversee preparedness measures and ensure that necessary action is taken wherever required.

The government is closely monitoring weather developments and coordinating with the concerned departments and district administrations to ensure a timely response to any emerging situation.

Pujari also expressed concern over the possibility of rising water levels in the Mahanadi river due to rainfall in neighbouring Chhattisgarh.

“Proper water management is being given priority. Discussions have been held with Chhattisgarh to prevent a possible flood situation,” he said.

The minister said the state government was giving priority to water management and inter-state coordination to reduce the risk of flooding. Authorities are monitoring rainfall forecasts and river conditions to facilitate timely decisions.

The Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness efforts in view of the approaching weather system, with a focus on round-the-clock monitoring, coordinated administrative action and minimising risks to life and property.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda