Naveen Patnaik reviews preparedness as Odisha braces for cyclone Yass amid Covid-19 pandemic

BHUBANESWAR: With Odisha bracing up for cyclonic storm Yass amid Covid-19 pandemic, chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday directed officials to remain careful in preparedness to ensure infection is not spread due to crowding at the cyclone shelters.
Chairing a meeting to review state’s preparedness, the chief minister directed to provide all the back up to the healthcare centres in terms of power generators, water supply, medicines and food supplies to manage the cyclone impact.
“The oxygen supply and buffer stock has to be assessed at various hospitals and the task force should closely monitor the situation. Supply of oxygen within and outside the state should not be disrupted,” said the chief minister.
To ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, diesel generator sets have been provided to all oxygen refilling stations while instructions have also been issued to refill all empty cylinders in advance.
Administrations of the coastal and adjoining districts have been directed to identify more cyclone shelters to avoid overcrowding at one place and also to maintain adequate social distancing norms. Accordingly, over 3,000 cyclone shelters have been identified in four northern districts– Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada and Jagatsinghpur.
“Odisha is one of the most disaster resilient state and we have been facing cyclones almost every year now. It is further complicated by the Covid pandemic situation. However, I am confident that all of you will rise to the occasion and ensure fool-proof preparedness,” Naveen said during the review meeting that was attended by senior government officials and district collectors.
Though the cyclone path is not clear yet, meteorological department said it may hit north Odisha and West Bengal coasts around the morning of May 26.
Reiterating the state government’s target of “zero casualty” during the cyclone, the chief minister directed to evacuate all the people from the low lying areas and in vulnerable condition like kutcha houses. “The district collectors and SPs will have to personally ensure this as the top most priority,” said Naveen.
Known to be a master in handling natural disasters especially cyclones in the past eight years, the chief minister appealed people not to panic. Assuring that the state government will mobilise all its resources to ensure we are prepared to tackle the cyclone impact, Naveen requested people to follow the instructions given by authorities and take necessary all precautions.
During the meeting discussion was also held regarding mobilization of disaster management teams like ODRAF, NDRF, fire and others in strategic locations. SRC PK Jena said 66 ODRAF, 22 NDRF, 177 fire service teams and 35 tree cutting troops will be deployed in next two days with all equipment in the likely to be affected districts.
Based on past experiences, it was directed to ensure road clearance by removing uprooted trees immediately after the cyclone passes. Teams working on restoring the telecommunications and power supply lines have also been directed to remain fully prepared with the required manpower and material to swing into action immediately.
Other issues like uninterrupted supply of drinking water both the rural and urban areas, maintaining hygiene and sanitation in cyclone shelters, ensuring adequate stock of food and other essential goods was reviewed.
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