Odisha CM Reviews Deep Depression Situation, Directs High-Level Preparedness

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday reviewed the situation arising from heavy rainfall triggered by a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and directed officials to maintain constant monitoring and ensure the highest level of preparedness to protect lives and property.

The review meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan in the presence of Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil.

Focus on Zero Casualty

During the meeting, the Special Relief Commissioner briefed the Chief Minister on the weather system, expected rainfall and steps taken by the government.

Chief Minister Majhi stressed that “zero casualty” should remain the government’s guiding principle during natural disasters. He directed all departments to coordinate with district administrations and ensure timely evacuation of people from waterlogged areas and provide necessary relief.

Although there is no possibility of a cyclone, the Chief Minister directed authorities to maintain the highest level of preparedness and take all precautionary measures.

33 ODRAF Teams Deployed

A total of 33 ODRAF teams have been deployed across vulnerable districts. Six teams each have been deployed in Ganjam and Koraput, three each in Gajapati, Malkangiri and Rayagada, two in Kalahandi and one in Balangir. Nine additional teams have been kept in reserve at Chhatrapur in Ganjam.

District and block emergency operation centres have been directed to remain operational 24×7, while shelters, essential food, drinking water and sanitation supplies are being kept ready. NDRF and Fire Services teams, rescue boats, life jackets and power boats have also been prepared.

Deep Depression to Cross Coast Tonight

According to the weather assessment presented at the meeting, the deep depression was located around 150 km south of Gopalpur at 5:30 am on Wednesday. It is likely to move west-northwestwards and cross the north Andhra Pradesh–south Odisha coast near Kalingapatnam between Visakhapatnam and Gopalpur by Wednesday night.

The system is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across several districts.

Red, Orange and Yellow Warnings

Red warnings have been issued for Rayagada, Koraput, Gajapati and Ganjam. Orange warnings are in force for Nuapada, Balangir, Kalahandi, Kandhamal, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri, Puri, Khordha and Nayagarh.

Yellow warnings have been issued for Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Deogarh, Angul, Dhenkanal, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Subarnapur and Boudh.

Authorities are maintaining real-time monitoring of rainfall, waterlogging, reservoirs, power and drinking water supply, while the Water Resources Department is monitoring river and reservoir levels and vulnerable embankments.