The Ganjam district administration has decided to shift villagers soon from sea beach and river bank areas to high lands as part of a measure to combat Cyclone Fani, which is likely to hit Odisha coast on May 3.
Besides, the administration also decided to admit all pregnant women to hospitals from Tuesday so that they would not face any problem in getting medical treatment.
District Collector Bijay Amrita Kulange informed this at a Press meet held at Chhatrapur.
“According to Meteorological Department, Cyclone Fani is now heading towards Odisha coast. It may make a landfall at Puri. Wind is likely to blow at 200 km per hour. The administration has decided to shift people from sea beach and river banks to high places and take pregnant women to hospitals,” informed Kulange.
The Collector also informed that the leave applications of all Government employees have been cancelled and fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea in view of the possible cyclonic storm.
The shifted villagers will be accommodated in 77 cyclone shelters and over 300 Anganwadi centres. They will be provided food, drinking water and required medicines, he said.
People will be made aware of impact of Cyclone Fani through loudspeakers. ODRAF, NDRF and Fire Services teams would be deployed at strategic places in the district.
The Collector also informed that all requisite measures have been taken to keep EVMs safe from rains and cyclonic impact.
Among others, Additional Collector (Revenue) Laxmikanta Seith and District Emergency Officer Debaraj Patro were present.