Photo: OTV
Residents of coastal areas in panic over possible cyclone in Odisha
People in the coastal areas of Odisha, who have often faced the fury of many cyclones, are in a state of panic over a possible cyclone threat again in the month of October.
Meanwhile, the administration has taken up all kinds of measures and started its preparedness in full swing to meet any kind of eventualities arising out of the impending cyclone. Residents of Balasore, Bhadrak, Puri and Gopalpur coasts have been advised to remain alert. While cyclone shelters in the areas have been kept ready, rescue teams have also been put on high alert.
Following the prediction by IMD that the probable cyclone is likely to pass between the coast of Odisha and West Bengal on October 24, people residing along the Balasore coast have been alarmed.
Meanwhile, the district administration has started all kinds of preparations in full swing. BDOs, Tehsildars and Sarpanchs in the district have been directed to remain alert. All the 140 cyclone centers across the district have been kept fully ready. As many as two ODRAF teams, one NDRF team and fire service personnel have been kept on alert to carry out rescue operations if required.
Considering the tidal wave to inundate their farmlands, residents of coastal areas in Jaleswar have already made preparations. Though it’s not the right time, the farmers are in haste to harvest paddy and keep their produces in safe and secure places. The fishermen have also tied their boats in higher places so that they will not be floated away in the high tides of the sea.
Residents in Bhadrak have also expressed their concerns over the possible cyclone. Mainly, people residing in thatched houses are in fear. Moreover, farmers are also concerned about their cultivation which is almost ready to be harvested.
“Cyclones often hit Odisha in October. We are clueless about what to do after hearing about the possible cyclone. We are living in a state of panic,” said Jayant Das, a resident of Bhadrak.
“As we are the residents of border areas we are living in a fearful condition. There may be high-speed wind and heavy rain due to the possible cyclone. Farmers have worked very hard and their crops may suffer damage,” rued Naranarayan Das, a resident of Puri.
The possible cyclone may severely hit the tourism industry in Puri. Hence, the owners of the hotels are severely worried about the development. Moreover, people living in Krushnaprasad, Bramhagiri, Puri Sadar, Konark, Chandrabhaga, and Astaranga areas may suffer the most.
Ganjam is often hit hard by most of the cyclones in Odisha. The district administration has left no stone unturned in their preparedness. A preparatory meeting was held on Sunday under the chairmanship of Berhampur Mayor in which all the departmental officials were present.
In response, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed that the government is fully ready to tackle any kinds of eventualities arising out of the possible cyclone. The minister advised people not to be panicked and disturbed.
“The government is fully ready to tackle any kind of situation. The district administrations in the possible cyclone-hit areas have been put on high alert,” said Minister Pujari.
Meanwhile, State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra warned of stringent action against those who will be found involved in black marketing and hoarding of essential commodities.
“Our government will never tolerate hoarding and black marketing. All the district administrations are aware of the situation and there will be no problem for the public,” said Minister Patra.
