In view of the possible cyclonic storm ‘Yaas’, the Collectors of coastal Odisha districts are all prepared with cyclone shelters and dry foods, informed Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Jena after attending a meeting convened by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday.
Speaking to mediapersons, Jena said, “A low pressure area is very likely to form over east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 24 and very likely to move northwestwards and reach OdishaÂWest Bengal Coast around May 26 morning. It is likely to make a landfall between Sundarbans (West Bengal) near north Odisha coast and Bangladesh.” The SRC said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has asked all States to be prepared for the possible cyclone.
As part of the preparatory measures, teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services have been sent to the districts likely to be affected by the cyclone. “We have adequate workforce for rescue and relief operations. Officials concerned at gram panchayat level have been asked to ensure smooth evacuation of people residing in low-laying areas to safer places. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea from today,” Jena said.
He further informed that all departments have been asked to prepare their action plans to reduce the damages to be caused by the possible cyclone.
“Officials concerned have been asked to bring down high mast lights installed at various locations in urban areas. Advertisement boards like billboards and hoardings will also be removed. If not removed, municipality staffs will do the same,” the SRC added.