Bhubaneswar, October 26: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has intensified its preparedness to deal with a possible cyclone, with Rapid Action Teams (RATs) kept on standby to tackle waterlogging, fallen trees and other emergencies, Mayor Sulochana Das said on Monday.

Das said the civic body was taking precautionary measures in line with government guidelines to minimise the impact of the impending weather system. A 24×7 control room will be set up to coordinate emergency response and ensure prompt action.

The BMC Commissioner has already reviewed the preparedness, while a meeting with corporators was held on Monday to ensure effective response at the grassroots level, she said.

The mayor cautioned that Odisha could experience heavy rainfall even if the cyclone moves towards neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The civic body is focusing on vulnerable waterlogging-prone areas and preparing to facilitate evacuation wherever necessary.

“The government’s target is zero casualties, and we will also strive to achieve it,” Das said.

The BMC is coordinating with relevant departments to ensure the availability of pumpsets in vulnerable areas and the swift removal of fallen trees. Measures are also being taken to minimise risks from large hoardings, high-mast lights and temporary structures erected for the ongoing Maa Gaja Lakshmi Puja celebrations.

Officials have been directed to coordinate the temporary removal of puja gates and arches and lower high-mast lights wherever required.

The BMC’s drainage division and Rapid Action Teams will remain on alert round the clock to respond to emergencies, with the proposed control room serving as a key coordination centre during heavy rainfall or a possible cyclone impact on the city.