The State Government has braced itself to face a possible onslaught of an impending very severe cyclonic storm ‘Phailin’ with a maximum sustained wind speed of 175-185 kmph which is due to hit the Andhra Pradesh and Odisha coast by October 12 next.
“The State Government has cancelled puja holidays of the employees in 14 districts affected by the 1999 Super Cyclone and kept the concerned Collectors in readiness with all required essential commodities, including medicines and alternative disaster mitigation plan,” said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Surya Narayan Patro on Wednesday.
“Instructions have been issued to other 14 departments related to relief and rescue operations to remain alert to the situation, the Minister said, adding that the Government has already ordered deployment of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) in all the benchmark districts by Thursday.
Patro also directed the ODRAF and Fire personnel to conduct mock drill on Thursday at the cyclone shelters keeping ready tree cutting machines and other equipment used for rescue and relief operations.
The Government is monitoring the development and required steps would be taken accordingly, he said, continuing that the district authorities had also been asked to take required steps in villages in the six coastal districts.
Special Relief Commissioner PK Mohapatra said that 14 district Collectors of Baleswar, Bhadrakh, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj , Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Keonjhar and Gajapati have been told not to take the Met office warning lightly and prepare their plan at ground level.
Earlier, the State Government had already alerted the Union Home Ministry to keep the Air Force choppers ready to meet eventualities and also informed the National Disaster Mitigation Authority to provide necessary support during the possible tragedy.
According to latest cyclone alert from the Bhubaneswar Met office, the deep depression over North Andaman Sea moved west-northwestwards and crossed Andaman Islands near Mayabandar between 1230 and 1330 hours IST.Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a video conferencing with the 14 District Collectors took stock of the situation arising out of the impending cyclone.
He asked the district administrations to remain with relief and rescue operation and advance disaster mitigation plan and ensure alternative communication network, both road and telecommunication.