Cyclone Alert / 60 ODRAF, 17 NDRF and 225 Fire Service Teams Kept Ready as Odisha Braces for Cyclone

Bhubaneswar, Oct 24: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday said the state government was fully prepared to tackle the possible cyclone, with 60 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 17 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and 225 fire service teams kept ready for emergency response.

Reviewing the preparedness at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the government was aiming for zero casualties and had put arrangements in place for evacuation, healthcare, emergency response and rapid restoration of essential services.

“Lord Jagannath’s blessings are with us. We will achieve zero casualties this time as well,” the Chief Minister said, expressing confidence in the state’s disaster management arrangements.

Cyclone May Make Landfall On October 28
Citing information from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Majhi said the potential cyclone was expected to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28, with the Andhra Pradesh coast considered more likely to be affected.

The system could bring heavy rainfall to several districts, accompanied by winds reaching speeds of 80-90 kmph, he said. Southern Odisha is expected to face a greater impact, while coastal districts could also receive rainfall.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri are among the districts likely to be most affected, according to the Chief Minister’s briefing.

Schools, Colleges To Remain Closed In Five Districts
The state government has decided to close schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri on October 28 and 29.

Collectors in other districts will decide whether educational institutions should remain closed, depending on local conditions.

Majhi said cyclone and flood shelters had been prepared to accommodate people from vulnerable areas. Special attention was being given to shifting patients and pregnant women to healthcare facilities to ensure their safety.

ODRAF, NDRF And Fire Services On Standby
The Chief Minister said around 60 ODRAF teams and 17 NDRF teams had been deployed, while 225 fire service teams were on alert to respond to emergencies.

Fishermen have been warned against venturing into the sea during the period of risk.

The government has also directed health facilities in vulnerable areas to stock anti-snake venom, medicines and medical kits. Engineering departments have been instructed to prepare for the immediate restoration of essential services, including the removal of fallen trees blocking roads.

Also Read: Odisha Fire Services Brace for Cyclone ‘Arnab’, Targets Zero Casualty

Farmers Advised To Protect Crops
With the harvest season approaching, Majhi urged officials to alert farmers and advise them to harvest mature crops and move them to safe locations wherever possible to minimise potential losses.

He also directed all concerned government departments to work in coordination under a whole-of-government approach to manage the possible cyclone and its aftermath.

The Chief Minister cited Odisha’s experience in dealing with previous cyclones and floods, including Cyclone Dana and Cyclone Montha, and expressed confidence in the administration’s preparedness.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, the chief secretary, the development commissioner, the director general of fire services, senior officials from the Revenue, Energy, Water Resources and Health departments, the Special Relief Commissioner and other senior officials attended the review meeting.