In view of the impeding Very Severe Cyclone ‘Yaas’, the State Government on Tuesday expedited evacuation of people residing in vulnerable areas, Bhadrak, Baleswar, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur were categorised as high-risk districts while Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj were also put on alert.
The approaching cyclone threatened to cause large-scale destructions in these districts during its landfall on Wednesday (May 26) morning.
“We have started preparations accordingly after meteorological department predicted cyclone will hit coast anywhere near Bhitarkanika, Dhamra and Chandbali,” Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Pradeep Kumar Jena said.
Moreover, some parts of Sundargarh district like Lahunipada and Bonai and some areas of Dhenkanal like Kankadahada, Bhuban and Kamakhyanagar have been alerted. Pallahara and Kaniha of Angul district are also likely to get affected partially. The Collectors of these three districts have also been directed to remain alert, Jena added. Rainfall of around 50 mm has been recorded from across 30 districts since Monday night under influence of advancing cyclonic system. Jagatsinghpur registered maximum downpour during the period, said SRC. The wind speed was gradually increasing since Tuesday. “In view of the wind speed, we have speeded up the evacuation process. As many as 50,000 to 60,000 people have already been shifted to cyclone centres. Some temporary calamity centres have also been kept ready for emergency use,” Jena said.
As many as 6,900 cyclone centres are ready for use where 7.50 lakh people can be accommodated. This apart, directive has been issued to keep the public buildings open for use during the last-moment evacuation, the SRC said.
A total of 710 DG (diesel generator) sets and 813 tankers have been dispatched to various spots. More than 10,000 employees of Energy Department have been deployed in the districts likely to be affected for electricity restoration works.
About 2,000 more workers would have reached their assigned locations by Tuesday, he said. With 308 health teams, the Health Department has also remained prepared to handle any emergency. Special arrangements have been made to shift pregnant women to hospitals, the SRC added.