Bhubaneswar: The state government remains fully prepared for taking emergency measures despite IMD forecast that the cyclonic storm over Bay of Bengal will not make landfall in Odisha.
Speaking to media persons on latest development of cyclone ‘Asani’ and government’s preparedness on Saturday, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena said the government is not leaving anything to chance and has made preparation for evacuation of people, if the cyclone heads towards Odisha.
He said as per the government policy of ‘zero casualty’ during natural calamities, the authorities in 18 districts are prepared with all resources at their disposal for evacuation of around 7.5 lakh people. While 862 cyclone shelters in these districts are ready to house around 1.5 lakh people as a precaution against the cyclone, 6,661 buildings have been identified to operate as temporary shelters for around 6 lakh people, he added.
Since the IMD has forecast that sea will start to become rough from Sunday and turn highly turbulent with wind speed attaining a maximum speed of 100 kmph over the Bay of Bengal on May 9 and 10, the government is taking extra precaution to ensure their safety, Jena said.
“We have already advised the fishermen not to venture into sea since yesterday and those in deep sea to return to the coast. The Indian Coast Guard is also broadcasting weather warning through Radar Operating Stations in Paradip and has engaged its ships and aircraft alerting fishermen in deep sea through VHF,” said the SRC.
The officials of Agriculture department are alerting the farmers to take necessary steps to save their crops from the rain that is likely to lash the state as the cyclone crosses the coast on May 10 and 11, said Jena.
