Cyclone Alert / Kataka Administration Targets Zero Casualty Ahead of Possible Cyclone

Kataka, Oct 24: The Kataka district administration has intensified preparations to deal with the possible impact of the developing cyclonic system over the Bay of Bengal, officials said on Saturday.

Additional District Magistrate Dibyalochan Mohanty said the administration’s primary objective is to ensure zero casualty during the emergency.

A yellow alert has been issued for Kataka district for October 26, while orange alerts have been issued for October 27 and 28. All departments have been asked to remain alert in view of the possibility of heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Evacuation and shelters

Special attention will be given to villages along the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers. As many as 474 villages in the Mahanadi basin and 23 villages in the Kathajodi basin are under close watch. If required, people will be shifted to safer places from October 26.

The district administration has kept 536 cyclone shelters ready with dry food, cooked food, drinking water, electricity and healthcare facilities. Nodal officers will be deployed at each shelter to coordinate relief operations.

Urban flooding plan

To prevent waterlogging in Kataka city, more than 300 motor pumps and additional manpower will be deployed in the Kataka Municipal Corporation area. Drainage channels are being cleared, and the water drainage system is being kept functional.

The administration has directed the removal of large banners, gates, light gates and hoardings that may collapse in strong winds. Puja committees have been given a 48-hour deadline to remove unsafe structures; otherwise, the administration will carry out removal drives.

Rescue and services

The Water Resources Department has been asked to repair river embankments and canal embankments. TPCODL and the Fire Services Department will deploy special teams to deal with uprooted trees and damaged electricity poles after the cyclone.

Twenty-five boats and three ODRAF teams have been kept ready, along with Athagarh, Kataka Municipal Corporation and reserve teams. The district administration also has 300 Aapda Mitras. A fuel reserve of 2,000 litres has been arranged for emergency vehicles.
Also Read: Bay of Bengal System to Turn into Deep Depression Tomorrow; Cyclone Likely by Monday

The Chief District Medical Officer has been asked to remain on 24-hour alert, while pregnant women are being advised to move to hospitals by October 25. Authorities have also warned traders against hoarding essential commodities or selling them at inflated prices. The helpline number 1077 has been activated for emergency assistance.

IMD update

The India Meteorological Department said the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression on October 24, a deep depression on October 25 and a cyclonic storm by October 26 morning. It is likely to move towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coast, with a possible landfall on October 28 morning.