Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: The Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness measures as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm.

A high-level preparedness meeting was held at the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) conference hall at Rajiv Bhavan under the chairmanship of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

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The meeting reviewed the state's readiness to respond to the possible cyclone and directed all concerned departments to remain fully prepared to deal with any emergency.

Government focuses on zero-casualty strategy

Reaffirming its commitment to the 'zero casualty' policy, the Odisha government has directed all departments and district administrations to remain on high alert and take every possible precaution to minimise the loss of life and damage to property.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the low-pressure area over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression by October 24 and a deep depression by October 25. It has a strong possibility of developing into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.

The system is expected to intensify further and move west-northwestwards towards the north Andhra Pradesh coast and adjoining southern Odisha over the following two days.

Under its influence, rainfall is likely to begin in Odisha from the morning of October 26. Several districts may experience heavy to very heavy rainfall between October 26 and 28, prompting the state administration to intensify precautionary measures.

Red alert for Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati

Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts have been identified as areas of particular concern for October 27, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Other districts, including Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi, have also been placed under alert due to the possibility of widespread rainfall.

Residents in potentially affected areas have been urged to remain alert, follow official weather updates and cooperate with the local administration.

District Collectors directed to prepare contingency plans

During the high-level meeting, district collectors were instructed to ensure that contingency plans were in place and that all departmental preparations were completed well in advance.

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority has directed officials to prepare cyclone shelters, arrange emergency response measures and identify people living in low-lying and vulnerable areas for evacuation to safer locations whenever necessary.

As rough sea conditions are expected, fishermen who have ventured into the deep sea have been advised to return to shore immediately. Owners of large fishing trawlers and ships have also been alerted to the developing weather situation.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services personnel have been kept ready to respond to emergencies and assist in rescue and relief operations.

Also Read: IMD warns fishermen to return to coast by October 24 

Giving special attention to maternal and child health, the authorities have directed officials to identify pregnant women in potentially affected areas whose expected dates of delivery are approaching.

Such women are to be shifted in advance to designated cyclone shelters or nearby District Headquarters Hospitals (DHHs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs), as appropriate, to ensure safe delivery and timely medical assistance.

The Health Department has been instructed to keep medical relief centres and mobile health teams ready.