Chhatrapur, November 14: Still struggling to recover from the devastating floods following heavy rains under the influence of Cyclone Arnab, Ganjam district is bracing for another possible cyclonic threat, prompting the administration to launch a massive preparedness drive to minimise damage and prevent loss of life and property.

With heavy rainfall and strong winds forecast over the coastal district on November 18 and 19, Collector V. Keerthi Vasan on Saturday chaired a high-level meeting and directed all departments to remain on high alert and take advance measures to deal with any eventuality.

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All government officials have been instructed to remain at their respective headquarters and will not be allowed to leave without prior approval, said an official release. 

The Fisheries Department has been directed to ensure that all fishermen currently at sea return by November 16. A mass awareness campaign through loudspeakers will begin across all blocks from Sunday. Block Development Officers (BDOs) will coordinate with elected Panchayat representatives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and local residents to spread cyclone-related advisories and safety messages.

The administration has initiated inspections of cyclone shelters to ensure the availability of drinking water, food, electricity, lighting and toilet facilities. Residents of vulnerable areas will be shifted to safer locations and cyclone shelters whenever required.

Special arrangements are being made for vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women, who will be relocated to safer places in advance in coordination with the Health and Family Welfare Department.

Health centres have been directed to stock essential medicines, including anti-snake venom injections. Measures are also being taken to protect livestock during the anticipated weather emergency.

The RWSS and WATCO departments have been asked to keep water tankers ready and inspect pipelines to prevent disruptions. The Food Supplies Department will maintain adequate stocks of flattened rice, jaggery, biscuits and bottled drinking water to meet emergency requirements.

The Electricity, Fire Services, Telecommunications, Works, Water Resources and Irrigation departments have also been instructed to remain on standby.

The Collector directed close monitoring of drainage channels, including Kharkhari Nala, to ensure the swift discharge of rainwater and prevent waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

In the event of a Red Warning, BDOs will submit reports on the ground situation and preparedness twice daily, at 9 AM and 7 PM.

A 24-hour district control room will remain operational, while teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services will be kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations.