Bhubaneswar, September 23: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed the situation arising from the deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and directed officials to ensure a“zero casualty” approach.
At a meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister instructed departments and district administrations to coordinate closely, evacuate people from waterlogged areas and ensure adequate relief and shelter arrangements.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, with the situation likely to improve after September 25. The deep depression is expected to cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam by Wednesday night.
The government has deployed 33 ODRAF teams across vulnerable districts, while additional teams have been kept on standby. Emergency centres, shelters, rescue boats, life jackets and essential supplies have been prepared, with real-time monitoring of rainfall, water levels, drainage, power and drinking water supply.
An Orange Warning has been issued for Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam These districts are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with winds reaching 50–60 kmph and gusting up to 70 kmph, while Orange and Yellow Warnings are in force for Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagada.
A Yellow Warning has been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Kataka, Baragada, Sambalpur, Debagada, Anugola, Dhenkanal, Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur and Boudh.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea as rough conditions are expected along the coast.
