Rayagada, November 2: The Rayagada district administration has intensified its preparedness to tackle the possible impact of Cyclone Murasu, deploying all 11 fire station teams and positioning heavy machinery at strategic locations to ensure a swift emergency response.

Additional District Magistrate (General) Ravindranath Kahanra said the administration had put comprehensive safety measures in place following a virtual emergency review meeting held on Sunday under the chairmanship of the District Collector.

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The meeting assessed the district's preparedness, focusing on early warning systems, emergency services, rescue and relief operations, shelter arrangements and the availability of essential equipment.

According to Kahanra, reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) indicated a yellow warning for the district until November 2, followed by an orange warning for November 3 and 4.

As part of the precautionary measures, all 11 fire station teams have been mobilised. JCBs, excavators and Hydra cranes have also been stationed at Gumma Ghati and Mukundpur Ghati to ensure the immediate clearance of National Highway 326 in case of road blockages.

Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tahsildars and other concerned officials have been instructed to remain at their respective locations with the necessary equipment and machinery to deal with any emergency.

The administration has also identified 17 landslide-prone areas and directed officials to remain alert for possible evacuation operations.

Kahanra said preventive evacuations would be undertaken on the evening of November 2, based on rainfall assessments, to ensure that vulnerable residents were moved to safety before the expected adverse weather conditions on November 3 and 4.

The district administration has further issued alerts to people living along the Nagabali, Bansadhara and Jhanjabati rivers, advising residents in low-lying and riverbank areas to shift to safer locations.

Meanwhile, IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said Cyclone Murasu was likely to be weaker than Cyclone Arnab. However, he cautioned that strong winds and heavy rainfall could still pose risks to vulnerable areas. (With ANI Inputs)