Khordha Administration Ramps Up Cyclone Preparedness; 430 Shelters Identified ;

Eight motorised boats deployed; 539 pregnant women placed under special monitoring as district braces for possible cyclonic threat

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, OCTOBER 24:- The Khordha district administration has stepped up its disaster preparedness and placed emergency response agencies on high alert following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of a possible cyclonic system developing from a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal.
Collector and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Chairperson Amrit Ruturaj on Saturday reviewed the district’s preparedness through a virtual meeting, directing officials to maintain close coordination and ensure that all precautionary measures were implemented well in advance to minimise the risk to human life and property.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Magistrates, Sub-Collectors, the Additional Superintendent of Police, Block Development Officers, tehsildars and officials of various line departments. The Collector emphasised the need for round-the-clock vigilance, effective interdepartmental coordination and prompt action in the event of an emergency.
The District Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC) and control rooms at subordinate offices have been instructed to remain operational 24 hours a day to facilitate the exchange of information, coordinate relief operations and ensure a rapid response to any developing situation.
As part of the district’s contingency arrangements, the administration has identified 430 shelter facilities, including 51 existing cyclone and flood shelters and 379 additional buildings that can be used as temporary shelters. Shelter management committees comprising local elected representatives and field-level officials have been constituted to oversee their functioning.
The administration is reviewing arrangements for drinking water, sanitation, electricity and backup power at these facilities to ensure that people evacuated from vulnerable areas can be accommodated safely and with minimum inconvenience.
Low-lying and flood-prone areas have been identified, and officials have been directed to facilitate the shifting of residents to safer locations whenever necessary. Eight motorised boats provided through the office of the Special Relief Commissioner have been deployed at strategic locations across the district. Additional private boats will be requisitioned if the situation warrants.
Road clearance and emergency restoration measures have also been strengthened. Machinery, equipment and vehicles are being kept ready to remove uprooted trees and debris that could obstruct roads during severe weather. Areas vulnerable to water ingress, backflow and waterlogging are being closely monitored for timely intervention.
In view of the potential cyclonic threat, fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea. Teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services personnel will be deployed at vulnerable locations as required.
The availability of food grains and essential relief materials was reviewed during the meeting. According to the stock report dated October 23, approximately 1,12,538 quintals of rice were available in five warehouses and storage centres across the district. The relief inventory also included 252 quintals of flattened rice, locally known as chuda, 197 quintals of jaggery and 2,383 packets of polythene sheets for emergency distribution.
The Collector stressed that essential supplies must reach even remote and vulnerable areas without disruption. Officials were directed to ensure the availability of safe drinking water, adequate food stocks, arrangements for the prompt restoration of electricity and sufficient provisions for animal feed, veterinary assistance and livestock protection.
Healthcare preparedness was another major focus of the review. Officials assessed backup power arrangements at Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs), besides reviewing the availability of essential medicines and anti-snake venom (ASV) at healthcare facilities.
Plans are also being drawn up to deploy mobile medical teams comprising a doctor and a paramedic from the district headquarters hospital and blocks likely to be less affected by the weather system. These teams will provide medical assistance in affected areas and help maintain access to emergency healthcare services.
Special attention is being given to pregnant women who may require medical assistance during the period of heightened weather alert. As many as 539 expectant mothers whose expected dates of delivery fall within the next 15 days have been placed under special monitoring. The Health Department has been directed to ensure timely medical care, safe delivery arrangements and necessary logistical support for them.
Preparatory measures in urban areas have also been reviewed. Khordha and Jatni municipalities, along with the notified area councils of Tangi, Balugaon and Banapur, have assessed the availability of drainage pumps, backup power systems, drinking water, shelters and vehicles to tackle possible waterlogging and other weather-related emergencies.
The Collector directed all departments to ensure that the necessary arrangements remained functional before the weather system intensified. Officials have been asked to maintain close surveillance over vulnerable areas and remain prepared for immediate deployment whenever required.
The district administration is continuing to monitor developments related to the weather system and has urged residents to follow official weather bulletins and advisories. People have also been advised to cooperate with local authorities and avoid unnecessary risks during the period of heightened preparedness.
With shelter arrangements, emergency transport, relief stocks, medical services and response teams being readied, the administration is seeking to ensure that Khordha is equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to any adverse impact of the developing weather system.