Cyclone Alert / Ganjam, Malkangiri intensify readiness measures as Odisha braces for Cyclone Murasu

Bhubaneswar, Nov 2: Authorities in Odisha's Ganjam and Malkangiri districts have stepped up preparedness measures as Severe Cyclone Murasu approaches the Andhra Pradesh coast, with the potential to trigger heavy rainfall and strong winds across southern Odisha.

In Ganjam district, a large-scale evacuation and disaster management exercise is underway to minimise risks in vulnerable areas. Officials have identified nearly 2.95 lakh people for evacuation, of whom 1,51,434 have already been shifted to safer locations.

To accommodate evacuees, the district administration has kept 110 permanent cyclone shelters and 1,029 temporary shelters ready, with a combined capacity to house 3,41,700 people.

Medical teams have been deployed at evacuation centres, while drinking water, generators and other essential facilities have been arranged. Relief materials have been stocked across all blocks and urban local bodies, with additional supplies being rushed to vulnerable locations.

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Authorities have also appointed nodal officers for every village to ensure smooth coordination and timely delivery of essential services.

Special attention is being given to high-risk areas. Residents living in unsafe and vulnerable structures are being relocated, while landslide-prone zones in four blocks have been identified for close monitoring.

Measures have also been taken to ensure uninterrupted road connectivity and power supply at strategically important locations.

As part of precautionary measures, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the district have been ordered to remain closed until November 3. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted through public announcement systems to encourage residents to follow official advisories.

Meanwhile, vigilance has also increased in Malkangiri district, where intermittent rainfall has already begun under the influence of the weather system. The district administration has launched extensive preparedness measures, focusing on low-lying regions, riverbanks and landslide-prone areas.

People from vulnerable locations are being moved to safer shelters, and arrangements have been made for food and accommodation. At the Girkanpalli flood shelter, authorities have started distributing free cooked meals to displaced residents.

In another precautionary step, motor launch services in the Balimela reservoir will remain suspended from November 2 to November 4 to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.

A 24-hour control room has also been established at the Malkangiri District Headquarters Hospital to provide emergency health services.

Officials have urged people to stay away from rivers, canals, reservoirs and low-lying areas, avoid rumours and strictly follow instructions issued by the administration.