Bhubaneswar: Focusing on its policy of ensuring ‘zero casualty’, the Odisha government has released Rs 19 crore as special assistance to eight districts likely to be affected by Cyclone Arnab while intensifying preparedness measures to deal with the storm
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari reviewed the state’s preparedness at a meeting held in Bhubaneswar along with the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) and senior officials.
The eight districts prioritised for preparedness are Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Nuapada and Kalahandi, where heavy rainfall and other adverse weather conditions are anticipated.
The district administrations have been asked to ensure that all cyclone shelters are fully equipped and ready for use. Collectors and key officials in the affected districts have been asked to remain at their headquarters, with their leave cancelled. Round-the-clock control rooms have also been activated to provide emergency assistance.
According to the preparedness assessment, 48,010 people have been identified as vulnerable across the eight districts, while 466 shelters have been readied to accommodate them after undertaking safe evacuation.
Officials said Nabarangpur has identified the highest number of vulnerable people at 11,270 for shifting, followed by Gajapati with 11,000 and Malkangiri with 9,850. Ganjam has identified 6,500 people, Koraput 5,000, Kalahandi 2,415, Nuapada 1,675 and Rayagada 300.
As part of emergency response arrangements, nine Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 24 Fire Service teams have been deployed in Ganjam. Gajapati has been assigned six ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and eight Fire Service teams, while Rayagada has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 11 Fire Service teams.
Koraput has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and 14 Fire Service teams, while Malkangiri has three ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and nine Fire Service teams. Nabarangpur has three ODRAF teams and 12 Fire Service teams. Fire Service teams have also been deployed in Nuapada and Kalahandi.
Senior IAS officers have been deputed to the more vulnerable districts, and field-level preparedness has been reviewed with Collectors and officials of the concerned departments.
Authorities have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock readiness, stock essential supplies in advance, issue emergency alerts and continuously monitor India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletins.
Anganwadi centres will remain closed as a precautionary measure. The Health Department has been directed to ensure the readiness of medical relief centres, mobile health teams, emergency medicines, power backup facilities and emergency obstetric services to safeguard pregnant women and newborns. Arrangements will also be made to distribute cattle feed in affected areas.
Nodal officers have been assigned responsibility for flood-prone areas, and a WhatsApp group has been formed to facilitate coordination among officials and field-level functionaries.
The state government has urged people to follow official advisories, cooperate with the administration and refrain from spreading or believing rumours. The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and preventing loss of life during the cyclone.