Cyclone Impact / Odisha deploys top bureaucrats to speed up relief and damage assessment

Bhubaneswar, Nov 3: Even as Cyclone Murasu has moved inland after making its impact near the Andhra Pradesh coast and is currently positioned below Vijayawada, the Odisha Government has intensified its preparedness and post-cyclone rehabilitation efforts by deploying four senior IAS officers to oversee relief distribution and damage assessment in affected districts.

Officials said the cyclone is expected to move further towards Telangana and has not caused any significant impact in Odisha so far.

"The situation in Odisha remains normal at present, but the government is continuously monitoring developments and is fully prepared for any eventuality," stated Odisha Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

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A massive evacuation exercise has already been carried out across vulnerable districts. According to the government, around 1.65 lakh people have been shifted to safer locations from Ganjam, Gajapati, Malkangiri, Kandhamal, Koraput and Rayagada districts. Evacuation efforts are still underway in some areas.

As many as 592 relief centres are currently operational. The state has deployed 54 ODRAF teams, nine NDRF teams and more than 100 Fire Services teams across vulnerable regions. Schools remain closed in several districts, while senior officers have been stationed on the ground to oversee preparedness measures.

Meanwhile, the government has expedited the implementation of the relief package announced for people affected by Cyclone Arnab. "Relief package distribution, restoration work and damage assessment are progressing simultaneously," said Pujari.

To ensure speedy execution, four senior IAS officers have been granted the powers of Special Relief Commissioners. Two officers have been assigned to Ganjam district, while one officer each has been deployed in Gajapati and Kandhamal districts.

"The officers have been empowered to supervise package distribution, assess damages, monitor restoration work and take immediate decisions as per the evolving situation," said the Disaster Management Minister.

A Central team has already reached Gajapati district to assess cyclone-related losses. After completing its assessment in Gajapati, the team is scheduled to visit Ganjam before returning to Bhubaneswar.

Based on preliminary assessment reports, the Odisha Government will submit a detailed memorandum to the Centre seeking further assistance.