Cyclone Fani: Odisha govt assigns IAS officers to oversee relief, restoration work

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has assigned nine IAS officers to oversee relief and restoration measures in view of the extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani, which is likely to hit the state coast on May 3 afternoon.

The government has also cancelled the leaves and holidays of staff working in several departments.

Leaves of doctors and health staff in Odisha cancelled up to May 15. Those who are on leave have been asked to report back to respective headquarters by today evening.

The health department asked the CDMOs to ensure that all health staff are on alert.

According to the Indian Meterological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm lay centered at 0530 hrs IST of 1st May, about 680 km south- southwest of Puri and 430 km south–southeast of Vishakhapatnam.

It is very likely to intensify further and cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, to the south of Puri around 3rd May afternoon with maximum sustained wind speed 175-185 kmph gusting to 205 kmph.