7 Lakh Likely To Be Affected By Amphan In Odisha, Says Chief Secy

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government is gearing up to face cyclone Amphan which is expected to affect seven lakh people.

Stating this during a review meeting with Union Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba, Chief Secretary Asit Kumar Tripathy said as many as 649 villages located along the State’s sea coast are likely to be affected by the cyclonic storm.

Meanwhile, the State Government has told the Centre to suspend the Shramik Special trains for three to four days in view of the cyclone, said Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena.

Jena further said telecom services providers including BSNL, Vodafone, Idea, Airtel and central telecom authority have assured of ensuring alternate power supply to base transceiver stations during a review meeting he held with them. Besides, the companies have agreed to store sufficient stock of diesel to run the transceiver stations.

According to official sources, there are 809 cyclone centres in 12 districts which are likely to bear the impact of the Amphan. In order to carry out immediate shifting of the people, 7092 more buildings have been identified to be used as cyclone shelters.