Berhampur, Oct 26: The Ganjam district administration has begun preparations to tackle the threat of a possible cyclone, with a focus on public safety and emergency response. So far, more than 1,200 pregnant women have been identified across the district. Of them, around 60 have been shifted to nearby healthcare facilities, while approximately 41 women have already delivered, Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan informed.

The Collector said all cyclone shelters across the district have been kept ready to accommodate people if required. Fishermen who have arrived from Andhra Pradesh and Paradip will be provided safe shelter at designated cyclone shelters. Food is also being supplied to them, he added.

All beaches in the district will remain closed to tourists from 12 noon tomorrow until the 29th as a precautionary measure.

As part of the emergency response arrangements, three Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams had reached the district by Sunday. Two National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are scheduled to arrive on Monday, while four additional teams have been kept on standby.

The teams will be positioned in Patrapur, Bhanjanagar, Sorada, Berhampur and Chhatrapur, depending on operational requirements. One team has already reached Berhampur and begun its work, the Collector said.

Meanwhile, the Collector has appealed to farmers not to panic over the possible impact of the cyclone. He assured them that any damage to agricultural fields would be assessed promptly and compensation provided as per the applicable provisions.

He also advised farmers not to harvest paddy crops that are still green, urging them to follow the administration's guidance as the district prepares for the possible cyclone.