1,139 shelters kept ready in Ganjam

Brahmapur: With preparations underway to meet the possible threat of cyclone Murasu, the Ganjam district administration has stepped up its disaster management measures, evacuating 1,51,434 out of 2,94,752 people from vulnerable areas and arranging shelter facilities for 3,41,700 people. A total of 1,139 shelters, including 110 permanent and 1,029 temporary centres, have been kept ready to ensure the safety of residents.

The administration has set a target of shifting 2,94,752 people to safer locations. Medical teams, drinking water, generators and essential relief materials have been arranged at the shelters. Additional stocks of relief supplies are also being mobilised to meet emergency requirements.

To strengthen grassroots-level coordination, nodal officers have been appointed for every village to monitor the situation and ensure the availability of basic facilities. Public awareness campaigns are being conducted through loudspeaker announcements, urging people to follow safety advisories and cooperate with the evacuation drive.

Special attention is being given to vulnerable locations. People living in unsafe buildings are being shifted to safer places, while landslide-prone areas in four blocks have been identified for precautionary action. The administration has also taken steps to maintain road connectivity and uninterrupted electricity supply at strategically important locations.

All schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the district will remain closed until November 3 as a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, extending solidarity with the people of Ganjam, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is sending a delegation, led by Mayor Sulochana Das, to the district to provide relief assistance to families affected by cyclone Arnab. The delegation, comprising several corporators, handed over cheques, dry food and clothing to Ganjam Collector V Keerthi Vasan at Chhatrapur for distribution among the affected people.

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Sunil Mohan Patnaik

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