Odisha CM told officials- Be ready to deal with flood, cyclone
Bhubaneswar (IANS) | Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday directed officials to be prepared to deal with possible floods and cyclones during the monsoon season. A day after the onset of monsoon across the state, Patnaik chaired a meeting of the State Level Natural Disaster Committee to review the preparedness of various government departments and districts to deal with any kind of emergency.
CM Patnaik said that Odisha remains prone to more frequent disasters, especially floods and cyclones. Last year, 24 districts were affected by floods and heavy rains. However, the state successfully coped with it.
The CM said Odisha has been awarded the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Award for 2023 by the Center for preparedness and management of disasters. Patnaik told the officials that the period from June to October is crucial for us, during which drought, flood or cyclone can occur. Therefore, we have to review our preparedness at all levels to deal with possible floods and cyclones. Also, we should be prepared for any other kind of emergency.
He directed the officials to take adequate measures with regard to rescue and relief operations, supply of drinking water and health and veterinary services at the very outset. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units and fire services have been put on alert for immediate response at any point of time.
Control rooms in districts and departments will remain open round the clock. Sartak web and mobile app has been developed to disseminate real-time weather and disaster related updates.
The Food Supply and Consumer Welfare Department has been asked to store food items in sufficient quantity. The Fisheries and Animal Resource Development Department will store adequate animal feed in vulnerable and inaccessible areas. He said that arrangement for green fodder and opening of animal camps should be ensured during floods.
Collectors were directed to pay special attention to vulnerable people like pregnant women, physically and mentally challenged, young children, widows and the elderly during rescue and relief operations.
He said that there should be immediate clearance of relief lines, repair and restoration of lifeline infrastructure and restoration of livelihood after disasters. The Chief Minister also recalled the tragic train accident at Bahanaga in Balasore, in which around 290 people died and hundreds were injured.
–IANS
