Bhubaneswar, October 24: As Odisha braces for a cyclone, Chief Minister Mohan Charna Majhi on Saturday directed officials to ensure “zero casualty” and evacuation of people to safety to prevent loss of lives during the natural calamity.

Majhi, who chaired a meeting to review the preparedness to tackle the possible weather system, emphasised shifting patients and pregnant women to health centers.

"With the blessings of Lord Shri Jagannath, we will achieve zero casualty this time as well. We have prior experience in managing floods and cyclones. Cyclones Dana and Montha were successfully tackled. Along with this, several flood situations have also been successfully handled,” Majhi told reporters after chairing the review meeting.

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“Therefore, like every time, the State Government is fully prepared to achieve zero casualty this time too,” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister, quoting the IMD forecast said, this cyclone will make landfall between North Andhra Pradesh and South Odisha on October 28. However, there is a higher probability of landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast.

Under its influence, heavy rainfall is expected in various districts of the State, and winds are likely to blow at speeds of about 80 to 90 km/h. In particular, South Odisha districts are likely to experience heavier rainfall and stronger winds, said Majhi.

“Districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri are expected to be the most affected. Other coastal districts are also likely to receive rainfall. It has been decided to keep schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers closed in these five districts on October 28 and 29. In other districts, District Collectors will decide on closing schools and colleges based on evolving situation,” said Majhi.

He said that cyclone and flood shelters have been prepared to move people to safe locations. Special emphasis has been placed on shifting patients and pregnant women to health centers.

Around 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams have been deployed. As many as 225 fire service teams are on high alert, added the CM.

The CM appealed to the fishermen not to venture into the sea.

“Instructions have been issued to ensure the availability of anti-snake venom injections, medicines, and medical kits at all health centers in the affected areas. All engineering departments are fully prepared for immediate restoration in the event of a cyclone. In particular, full preparations have been made to promptly remove fallen trees blocking roads,” said CM Majhi.

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Since the harvesting season is approaching, the Chief Minister has advised farmers to harvest crops.

The Chief Minister has advised all concerned departments of the State Government to coordinate and tackle the cyclone using a Whole of Government Approach.

Revenue & Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner DK Singh, DG (Fire Services) Sudhansu Sarangi, SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and other senior officers were present in the meeting.