Baleswar district is put on a high alert as Cyclone Amphan is coming towards the coast and likely to make a landfall in West Bengal, close to Digha on the Baleswar border.
The imminent cyclone has only aggravated the challenging conditions of the district, which is battling with Covid-19 outbreak with 119 positive cases now.
On Monday, DGP Abhay reviewed the cyclone preparedness.
“NDRF, ODRAF and fire brigade personnel have been deployed. Evacuation will take place from low-lying pockets,” said Abhay.
As many as 58 of 140 cyclone shelters have been converted either into quarantine centres or TMCs for Covid purposes, the district administration has made alternative arrangements to accommodate seaside evacuees if situation so demands, said District Emergency Officer Rizwana Kawkab
Meanwhile, the district Collector asked line departments to remain ready for evacuation, supply of food materials and restoration of electricity, water supply and communications.
It is estimated that 2.93 lakh people might be shifted from 136 GPs under 12 blocks to safer places.