Odisha Health Dept Issues Advisory To Manage Post-Monsoon Cyclone Season

Bhubaneswar: Amid fear of cyclone ‘Sitrang’, Odisha’s Health and Family Welfare department has issued an advisory to the authorities to remain prepared to manage the post-monsoon cyclone season this year.

In a letter to all district and municipal authorities concerned, Health Secretary Shalini Pandit has stated that during the post-monsoon season there is possibility of flood or cyclone due to sudden low pressure.

This warrants possible mass causality, disease outbreak and other emergency situations, she said. In view of it, she asked the authorities to ensure the following aspects on priority basis on receipt of cyclone warning, if any:

1. Sufficient stock of essential medicines for flood related diseases, water purifying tablets, anti-snake venom in hospitals at different level.
2. Sufficient stock of bleaching powder, chlorine tablets, lime powders etc will also be ensured.
3. Necessary steps need to be taken for shifting of the pregnant women in vulnerable areas to Maa Gruha. Pregnant women having expected date of delivery within next 10 days should be shifted to nearest Govt hospital having safe delivery facility.
4. Ensure power backup arrangement in all PHCs, CHCs, DHH and other hospitals.

The advisory comes amid forecast about cyclone ‘Sitrang’. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the cyclone, likely to form around October 24, is likely to move gradually north-northeastwards and reach near West Bengal – Bangladesh coasts on October 25, skirting Odisha coast, the state will experience heavy rain from October 23 and the intensity will increase further in the next two days.