Panic-stricken people in Erasama, Balikuda and Kujanga blocks started moving to safer places, mostly to the cyclone centres and school buildings, ahead of the Hudhud cyclone.
Meanwhile, prices of essential commodities began to soar in all localities. Especially, prices of potato, onion, flattened rice, biscuit and candle were three times more than their normal rates. In 1999, the Super Cyclone had wrecked havoc in the district and created colossal losses to life and property. The district administration held an emergency meeting on Wednesday and discussed the all aspects to tackle the impending storm. In absence of the district Collector who was on leave, ADM Sarana Kumar Jena chaired the meeting and asked officials and employees to remain present in the district headquarters and assist the pre cyclone preparation.