Bhubaneswar, 28 October (H.S.) : Governor Brajmohan Ram on Wednesday stressed the need to ensure zero casualties and minimise crop damage amid Cyclone Arnab.

The Governor took stock of the cyclone situation during a meeting with Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Parabhakar Patil at Lok Bhavan. Patil briefed him on the cyclone situation and the measures taken to protect people and property.

Several southern districts, including Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada, are likely to be affected by heavy rainfall, Patil informed the Governor. Though the cyclone did not directly hit Odisha, the state remained on alert over the possibility of heavy rain and its impact on vulnerable areas.

Patil said response teams have been deployed and are on alert to deal with emergencies. People living in vulnerable areas have been shifted to multipurpose cyclone shelters as a precautionary measure.

He also informed the Governor that the chief minister and the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister are closely monitoring the situation to ensure prompt action wherever required.

The Governor was also briefed on Odisha’s achievements in disaster management and its recognition as a role model by international institutions, including the United Nations and the World Bank.

Expressing satisfaction with the state government’s preparedness, Ram emphasised the need for continued vigilance and coordination among all concerned departments and agencies. He stressed that protecting lives, safeguarding standing crops and minimising damage to property should remain priorities while dealing with the cyclone situation.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda