Facing the dual challenge of recovering from Cyclone ‘Arnab’ and preparing for the impending threat of Cyclone ‘Murasu’, the Odisha government has launched disaster management operations on a war footing.
In a high-level review meeting held at the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office at Rajiv Bhawan, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari assured the public that the state administration is fully equipped to handle the crisis.
The meeting, attended by Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee and SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, focused on accelerating ongoing relief work while fortifying defenses for the next storm.
“The government is fully prepared for the possible cyclone. I urge citizens to remain aware but not to panic,” Minister Pujari stated.
The Threat of Cyclone ‘Murasu’
Currently a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Murasu is positioned 160 km from Nellore, 180 km from Chennai, and 240 km from Machilipatnam. During landfall, wind speeds are expected to reach a fierce 100 to 110 km per hour. The system is likely to significantly impact Odisha’s coastal and southern districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, and Puri.
Aftermath of Cyclone ‘Arnab’
The state is already reeling from the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods. The disaster affected 2,10,920 people across 488 panchayats in 41 blocks of Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. Tragically, three lives were lost in Ganjam.
Prioritizing human life, the administration executed massive evacuations, moving 1,41,797 individuals to safety, including 579 pregnant women. Relief camps are actively distributing dry food—such as rice, flattened rice (chuda), and jaggery—alongside cattle feed and over 5,450 polythene sheets.
Restoration on a War Footing The Rural Development Department is working 24/7 to clear roads and restore connectivity:
- Ganjam: Debris from landslides at 13 locations in Kukudakhandi and Patrapur has been cleared, and 124 road breaches across 14 blocks have been closed.
- Gajapati & Rayagada: Landslides across 19 roads in Gajapati and 15 locations in Rayagada’s Gunupur have been successfully removed.
Electricity restoration has been a major success. TPSODL has reinstated power for 99.05% of affected consumers, lighting up over 17.72 lakh households. All 46 damaged 33 KV feeders and 130 substations have been brought back online.
Health, Water, and Rescue Operations
To prevent post-flood outbreaks of diarrhea, malaria, and dengue, the Health Department has deployed Rapid Response Teams (RRT) and Mobile Health Teams. Over 4,400 tube wells have been repaired, and hundreds of water tankers and mobile water treatment units have been dispatched to ensure clean drinking water.
A massive security blanket of rescue personnel is currently on the ground. Tens of ODRAF and NDRF teams have been heavily deployed across Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, and Nabarangpur. Furthermore, a Central Team has arrived in Odisha to assess the damage in Ganjam and Gajapati.
ASHA and Anganwadi workers are actively driving awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, urging residents to move to designated relief centers and schools.
Expressing faith in the state’s resilience, Minister Pujari concluded, “The government is completely vigilant, and by the grace of Lord Jagannath, we hope the impact of this second cyclone on Odisha will be minimal.”
