Odisha CM reviews low-pressure situation, directs officials to remain on maximum alert
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today held a high-level review meeting at Jharsuguda through video conference to assess the impact of the low-pressure system formed in the north and central Bay of Bengal and the heavy rains lashing Odisha.
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today held a high-level review meeting at Jharsuguda through video conference to assess the impact of the low-pressure system formed in the north and central Bay of Bengal and the heavy rains lashing Odisha.
As predicted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), 3 districts namely Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi are likely to be particularly affected by the low-pressure area, while an alert has been issued for 14 districts namely Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Balangir, Rayagada, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Nayagarh, Puri, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara.
During the review meeting, the Chief Minister directed the District Collectors to remain on maximum alert, keep the control rooms at the district and block levels functioning 24 hours (24×7) and update the data regularly and also advised them to take necessary steps in view of the changing situation.
The CM also directed them to be prepared to deal with the low pressure rain and said that due to heavy rain, flood situation can occur in various places including urban areas. To deal with such a situation, drainage engineers and officials should be ready with supporting staff along with their equipment.
Majhi also directed the urban local bodies to make advance arrangements for the drainage of water from the areas that are likely to face waterlogging at this time. Along with this, the engineering staff in charge advised the District Collectors to keep a close watch on the weak points of the rivers and canal embankments.
The CM also directed that the ODRAF and Fire Service units be fully prepared for immediate assistance, especially in low-lying areas or where there is a risk of flash flood and other necessary places. He also asked the district collectors to identify the areas where landslides are likely in the hilly areas and to keep the field staff ready. The Chief Minister advised to take more precautionary measures, especially in Malkangiri district.
The meeting was informed that the multi-purpose flood shelter has been made ready for use and food and other essential items have also been kept in it. The Chief Minister advised to provide cooked food to the people of the low-lying areas if necessary.
Instructions were also given to keep sufficient stocks of medicines, snake bite injections, cow fodder and other animal feed in various areas of the 17 districts.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has the capacity to deal with natural disasters and the state has earned national recognition. Therefore, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the problem related to this heavy rainfall will be managed properly.
