Odisha Chief Secy reviews preparedness for mitigating summer cyclone

Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary PK Jena today chaired a high-level meet to review the state government’s preparedness to face any possible cyclone in this summer.

The Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of several government departments, the Director General of Police, Director General of Fire Service, Special Relief Commissioner, OSDMA Managing Director, NDRF Senior Commandant and a senior official of IMD Bhubaneswar centre among others were present at the meeting.

As per the discussion in the meeting, the doppler radars installed at Paradeep and Gopalpur will help track any summer cyclone formed over the Bay of Bengal.

The telecom service providers have introduced several measures to face the summer cyclone. They have been asked to take the necessary steps to provide uninterrupted service to people and send SMS/voice message to people regarding the updates on any possible cyclone in this summer.

IMD officials informed the meeting that steps have been taken for broadcasting of weather bulletins and cyclone updates through All India Radio, Doordarshan, FM radios and private TV channels.

It has been decided to open round-the-clock control rooms in government departments and districts from May 1, said an official.

“Cyclone mock drills will be held in each district on June 18 and 19. The officials of 317 fire stations in the state have been kept ready to face any eventuality. At least 17 teams of NDRF third battalion can be deployed for rescue and rehabilitation work in case of any cyclone hitting Odisha in this summer,” he added.

The state has altogether 879 multipurpose cyclone/flood centres to provide temporary shelters to people. The OSDMA has been asked keep all equipment ready for rescue and rehabilitation work, said the official.

The Water Resources department has been told to introduce the necessary measures to manage flood-like situation during the cyclone. Similarly, the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments have been asked to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to the affected people.

The Health and Family Welfare department will store adequate medicines, anti-venom injections and other essential items at the district headquarters hospitals. Besides, the department will take prompt steps to relocate pregnant women to nearby hospitals.

“The Food Supplies department has been asked to store adequate amounts of dry foods and other essential commodities. Similarly, the Electricity department has been told to keep their manpower and equipment ready to repair and rebuild power supply infrastructure in the aftermath of a summer cyclone in Odisha,” said the official.

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