Bhubaneswar: In view of possible severe cold wave condition likely to prevail over different districts in Odisha till December 25, the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) today wrote to all district Collectors and Municipal Commissioners directing them to take necessary steps to protect homeless people and livestock from the bone-chilling cold.

Quoting a special bulletin issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Regional Centre here, the SRC said isolated cold wave to severe cold wave condition is very likely prevail over different districts till December 25 morning and thus issued Orange and Yellow warnings for such districts.

"There is increased likelihood of cold related illnesses among people, which may get aggravated due to prolonged exposure to cold. Livestock may also be affected due to prolong exposure to cold. People in districts under Orange and Yellow warnings and also in other areas where intense cold is felt, are advised to stay indoor during night and avoid exposure to cold and movement during night especially in two wheelers," said a communique issued by the SRC.

In the letter, the SRC reiterated that all collectors are required to ensure immediate arrangement is made for opening of school buildings, community buildings and other available buildings to be used as shelter by homeless and needy people during night. The SRC asked them to send a report indicating the number of such buildings used as night shelters and number of people sheltered therein on daily basis till the cold wave situation is over.