Bhubaneswar: With cyclone Yaas inching closer to Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday urged people to move to cyclone shelters or pucca houses.
Terming COVID-19 and cyclone two big dangers for the state, he said that the government was well prepared to face both challenges.
“Cyclone is not new for us but slight negligence can trigger bigger problems for everyone. People in vulnerable areas should move to safe places and cooperate with the administration for smooth evacuation,” he said.
The CM appealed to people to use double masks for the double dangers while staying at cyclone shelters and follow other COVID guidelines.
“We have to be extra careful because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have directed collectors to provide people with masks through SHGs,” he said.
Naveen further said that Odisha has adeptly handled natural disasters in the past. “Your cooperation will strengthen our preparedness for the impending cyclone amid the prevailing pandemic situation,” he added.
According to the IMD, cyclone Yaas is likely to cross north Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Paradip and Sagar islands around Balasore, during noon of May 26 as a very severe cyclonic storm.
