Cyclone threat: Odisha Gov Puts 11 Departments, Collectors On ‘High Alert’

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday put 11 departments and Collectors on alert mode for effective handling of any emergency situation arising out of the weather system.

While addressing the media, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Satyabrata Sahu today said summer cyclones are always unpredictable. However, there is no need to panic as all measures are being taken to deal with any situation as May month is prone to cyclones.

Even though IMD has not issued any forecast, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has reviewed the situation and the state is fully prepared to deal with any emerging situation.

According to Sahu, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed that cyclonic circulation is likely to develop over the southeast Bay of Bengal around May 6. Under its influence, a low-pressure system is likely to form during the subsequent 48 hours.

“We are not concerned about forecasts by other models. Rather, we are harping on the IMD forecast as they are yet to make any forecast regarding cyclones. The CM has reviewed the situation and a review meeting was also held today,” said Sahu.

The SRC said that IMD always issues forecasts after a detailed micro-planning basis. It is pertinent to mention here that earlier several rounds of meetings were held to ensure proper planning and coordination between various departments to deal with any situation.

“Several cyclones have been formed in the Bay of Bengal in the past including Fani in 2019, Amphan in 2020 and Yaas in 2021. Already, state-level and district-level control rooms have been set up in Odisha and the situation is being closely monitored even though no cyclone forecast has been issued by IMD as of now,” said Sahu.

Sahu said that Odisha has already conducted several meetings in the past and NDRF, ODRAF and other departments have been asked to take necessary steps to deal with any summer cyclones.