Bhubaneswar: Summer cyclones occur in the Bay of Bengal and in the last three years, Odisha has faced the wrath of cyclones in the month of May. In this regard, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presided over a high-level meeting this afternoon and discussed the preparedness for cyclones this summer season. Recalling Cyclone FANI, the Odisha CM has issued strict orders for the administration to be prepared at all times.
The Chief Minister said that the forecast of the storm that comes in the summer season is very intense. In 2019, Cyclone FANI also came unexpectedly and caused extensive damage. All life is precious to us. So we always have to be ready, he said.
Also Read: Cyclonic circulation over southeast BoB around May 6
The Odisha CM emphasized that all departments of the state government like NDRF, ODRAF and fire services should remain alert and if necessary evacuate all the people from the vulnerable coastal and low-lying areas to safe shelters. He also asked to keep all the necessary machines and equipment ready. Similarly, he advised to prepare an advance plan for rescue and rehabilitation post cyclone.
The Chief Minister further directed the Chief Secretary to conduct regular reviews regarding the cyclone and the Special Relief Commissioner to closely monitor the situation and work in coordination with all departments.
Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena said that among all the cyclones, the impact of summer cyclones is very intense. For the past few years we have been successful in adopting the zero casualty policy in the state. In this case also our regular review is going on and all the concerned departments have been instructed to be ready. District officials have also been instructed to be ready. About 1,000 cyclone shelters have been prepared while other schools and safe places have been identified.
Special Relief Commissioner Satyabrat Sahu said that a control room has been prepared after discussions with 18 District Collectors. Cyclone shelters are being made operational while 17 NDRF and 20 ODRAF teams have been kept ready.
Director General of Police Sunil Bansal, Development Commissioner (Water Resources) Ms. Anu Garg, Principal Secretary Rural Development and Energy Department Sanjay Singh, Principal Secretary Agriculture Department Arabinda Kumar Padhee briefed the Chief Minister regarding the preparations of their respective departments.
