Though the Phailin cyclone is likely to hit Jharkhand mildly, a sort of undeclared panic has gripped people as they are gearing up the face rough weathers on Sunday morning. The State Government is also ready with precautionary and relief measures as Phailin will enter Jharkhand around 8 am on Sunday.
Calling an emergency meeting on the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, State Disaster Management Minister Mannan Mallick directed Deputy Commissioners (DC) of all districts through videoconferencing to take whatever measures they can to protect and facilitate people of the State. A slew precautionary and relief measures were also read out in the meeting.
As the super cyclone is set to hit southern part of the State, the most DCs of all districts, especially of East and West Singhbum, Seraikela-Kharsawan, Khunti, Ranchi, Simdega, Gumla, latehar, lohardaga among others have been instructed to shift people living in low lying areas to safe zones.
"I have told DCs to start necessary evacuation in the low lying areas. Relief camps will be set up in schools and panchayat buildings where people can stay during the impact of the cyclone. The camps will have all necessary items, including food, medicine and water. Chuda-Gud (Beaten rice and jaggery) will be available for people at the relief camps," said Disaster Management Minister Mannan Mallik.
The Government has also cancelled leaves of police personnel and employees of Water Resources, Drinking Water and Sanitation and Energy departments. "leaves of all administrative officials including magistrates, BDOs, COs and others have also been cancelled.
The administrative officials have been instructed to spread awareness about the possible impact of cyclone without creating panic among the people," Mallik said. On the question of the possible loss of shelter of villagers who live in mud houses with tiled and bamboo roofs, the Minister said that they would be temporarily provided with plastic sheets and later the situation would be assessed to provide them relief as per their need.
"I have instructed the DCs to take whatever steps they feel is needed to help people in the adverse situation. I have given them a free hand to take contingency measures as per need," he said. Meanwhile, the Govern-ment has also appealed to people to remain in their homes and not to visit Puja Pandals on Sunday and Monday. The cyclone will touch Jharkhand at 8 am on Sunday morning and its impact will remain for around 48 hours as per MET department's prediction.
The department has also asked mining companies to stop mining activities for 48 hours. Railway stations and bus stops across the State have been instructed to be ready for contingency situation. Continuous patrolling on the highways has been ordered to ensure uprooted trees could be cleared and transportation remains smooth. Chief Minister Hemant Soren, who is out of State on a personal tour, has been keeping a close tabs on the situation in the State. The CM is in constant touch with senior officials of the State and has asked them to take all necessary measures to tackle the crisis.
A couple of trains from Ranchi have been cancelled due to phailin threat. Puri bound Tapaswani Express and Bangalore bound Yashwantpur Express have been cancelled from today till the situtation get under control. The Dhanbad -Alleppy is coming from diverted route.