Cyclone Yaas: Evacuate people in low lying areas on priority basis, Odisha CM asks officials

Bhubaneswar: As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts formation of Cyclone Yaas in Bay of Bengal in next two days and possible effects on Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed District Collectors and SPs to ensure evacuation of people staying in low lying and vulnerable areas to safer places on priority basis.

During a meeting through video conference to review preparedness for Cyclone Yaas the Chief Minister directed the district administrations to take measures to ensure safety of people. Emphasising on all lives matter, Patnaik stated the most important work at present is evacuation of people in low lying areas to safer places.

Also, the Chief Minister directed Chief Secretary SC Mahapatra to monitor the preparedness of the districts on daily basis and suggest measures to them.

He asked the administrations of coastal districts to brace for heavy rain and wind even though the exact path of the Cyclone Yaas is yet to be predicted by weathermen.

In the wake of Covid situation, the Chief Minister emphasised on unobstructed movement of oxygen vehicles within the State during the Cyclone Yaas.

Among others, the Chief Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner, Industries Secretary, Private Secretary to Chief Minister, DGP, Collectors of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur districts and senior officials were present in the meeting.