Odisha Sounds Cyclone Alert In 12 Districts

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Thursday asked 12 district collectors of the coastal belt to stay alerted to meet any eventuality arising out of cyclonic storm Roanu, which is likely to pass through Odisha coast on Friday.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through a video conferencing meeting asked the district collectors to keep all necessary materials including adequate storage of food items, petrol, and kerosene ready.

The district collectors of Khurdha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Balesore, Bhadrak, Ganjam, Kendrapada, Puri and Jagatsinghpur participated in the meeting.

The chief minister asked the school teachers to remain present in the schools, even if there is summer vacation, to accommodate the people during the cyclone if required.

“Cyclone Roanu likely to move along #Odisha coast towards Bangladesh, expected to impact south, coastal & north districts of State,” tweeted Naveen Patnaik.

“Departments ready with disaster mitigation measure, satellite phones activated for uninterrupted communication with affected districts,” he said.

Besides, the health department has been asked to ensure storage of essential medicines while energy department has been directed to keep adequate manpower and equipment ready to restore power in affected areas.

“Geared-up Energy Department to be alert & take steps to ensure power supply to health & public institutions in the wake of Cyclone #Roanu,” tweeted Energy Minister Pranab Prakash Das.

The ODRAF team, NDRF team and fire services personnel were directed to remain alerted, and they may be deployed at sensitive places to carry out the rescue operation.