With the possibility of cyclonic storm Jawad hitting the north Andhra Pradesh-Odisha coasts around December 4 morning, the Odisha Government has pulled up its socks to combat any kind of eventuality.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Wednesday directed the Collectors of the districts likely to be affected by the cyclone to prepare mitigation measures. He asked them to keep cyclone shelters in preparedness and evacuate people residing in low-lying areas if required.
Mahapatra also directed the Fire Services, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to be ready to deal with any possible untoward situation. Besides, coastal districts, Collectors of Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh have also been asked to remain alert.
So far, 200 Fire Services teams and 108 ODRAF and NDRF teams have been kept ready, said the Chief Secretary.
Earlier, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) instructed administrative officials in the districts falling under ‘Yellow and Orange’ warning category (heavy rainfall alert issued by IMD) to remain prepared to meet any waterlogging or localised flood-like situation, including in urban areas.
The officials have also been asked to keep a watch on the possibilities of landslides in hilly areas.