Ganjam, Nov 2: As cyclone Murasu has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, the Ganjam district administration has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe evacuation of people and effectively tackle the impending storm.

A series of precautionary and preparedness measures have been undertaken across the district, with special emphasis on public safety, emergency shelter, healthcare, essential supplies and inter-departmental coordination, said the district administration in a statement.

According to the district administration, a total of 2,94,752 people have been identified for evacuation to safer locations, of whom 1,51,434 have already been shifted to safe places.

To accommodate the evacuated population, the administration has kept 110 permanent cyclone shelters and 1,029 temporary shelters ready across the district. These shelters have a combined accommodation capacity of 3,41,700 people, ensuring sufficient space for those requiring evacuation.

Medical teams have been deployed at evacuation centres to provide necessary healthcare services to people.

Notably, Ganjam was severly affected by heavy rain under the impact of cyclone Arnab.

Essential supplies and basic amenities

The administration has ensured the availability of necessary relief materials in all blocks and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the district. Additional requirements have also been communicated, and the supplies are scheduled to reach the concerned areas by this evening.

Arrangements have also been made to provide generators and water tankers at evacuation shelters to ensure uninterrupted electricity and drinking water facilities for displaced people.

Besides, public awareness campaigns are being conducted across the district through loudspeaker announcements to inform residents about precautionary measures and evacuation arrangements.

As a precautionary measure, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres across Ganjam district will remain closed until November 3.

Necessary arrangements are being made to ensure road connectivity to all critical locations and maintain an uninterrupted power supply. Concerned departments have been instructed to remain alert and ensure essential infrastructure remains functional during the emergency.

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Landslide-prone areas identified

Special precautionary measures are also being undertaken in landslide-prone areas. Such vulnerable locations have been identified in four blocks of the district, and necessary preventive steps are being implemented accordingly.

With large-scale evacuation operations underway and arrangements for shelters, the Ganjam administration is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary steps to safeguard lives and minimise the impact of the impending disaster, the administration said.