Cyclone Yaas: Coastal Odisha districts on high alert

Bhubaneswar: In view of possible cyclonic storm Yaas over the Bay of Bengal, Odisha Government asked all the departments to remain ready to tackle the situation in coastal districts.

All the coastal and adjoining districts in Odisha have been put on high alert, informed Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Friday.

After holding a meeting with all departments, NDRF, Coast Guards, INS Chilika, DGP, DG Fire Services on Friday, the Chief Secretary said, “All concerned departments like power, rural and urban water supply, health, ODRF and NDRF teams have been directed to get well-prepared with manpower and materials for evacuation, rescue and restoration.”

The Government has already started the process for identification of cyclone shelters and safe buildings that is required for shifting the people residing in low lying areas in coastal districts.

“The entire administration is fully prepared to face the possible natural disaster. We will decide as per the IMD prediction after things will be clearer about path of the cyclone in next two-three days,” Mahapatra said.

The fishermen have been asked not to venture into the Bay of Bengal from May 21 onwards.

“Those have already been ventured into the sea, have been asked to come back to the shore by Saturday,” said Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena.

As per IMD prediction, a low pressure area is likely to form over eastcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea around May 22. It is very likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by May 24. It is likely to move northwestwards and reach near Odisha and West Bengal coasts around May 26 morning.