Ganjam on high alert amid 3rd cyclone alert

Brahmapur: With Ganjam district facing the possibility of a cyclone accompanied by heavy rainfall and strong winds on November 18 and 19, the district administration has sounded a high alert and initiated extensive precautionary measures, setting a zero-casualty target to safeguard lives, livestock and property.

A high-level preparedness meeting of departmental officials was held at Chhatrapur on Saturday under the chairmanship of Collector V Keerthi Vasan, who directed all departments to remain on alert and ensure coordinated action to meet any eventuality. Drawing lessons from the devastation caused by Cyclone Arnab and the subsequent floods, he stressed the need for advance preparedness rather than a last-minute response.

The Fisheries Department has been directed to ensure that all fishermen currently out at sea return to the shore by November 16. Fishing activities will remain prohibited thereafter. A public awareness campaign through loudspeakers will begin in all blocks from Sunday to sensitise people about the impending weather threat. The BDOs will coordinate with elected representatives, Self-Help Groups and local communities to disseminate warnings and safety advisories.

The Collector instructed field-level officials to inspect all cyclone shelters and ensure the availability of drinking water, food, electricity, lighting and sanitation facilities. Vulnerable people will be shifted to safer locations whenever necessary. Pregnant women will be identified and moved to safer places in advance through coordinated efforts of the Health and Social Welfare departments.

Special arrangements have also been made for livestock protection. Health centres will be stocked with essential medicines, including anti-snake venom injections, while the Animal Resources Development Department will make arrangements for the safe accommodation of cattle and other domestic animals.

Ensuring uninterrupted essential services will be another priority. The RWSS and WATCO have been asked to keep water tankers ready, inspect pipelines and undertake emergency repairs. The Food Supplies Department will maintain adequate stocks of flattened rice, jaggery, biscuits and bottled drinking water. Electricity, Fire Services, Telecommunications, Works, Water Resources and Irrigation departments have also been instructed to keep their manpower and equipment ready.

Particular emphasis was laid on monitoring drainage channels, including Kharkhari Nala, to prevent waterlogging and ensure the smooth discharge of rainwater. Farmers have been advised to harvest matured crops before the expected rainfall, while the Agriculture and Irrigation departments will coordinate measures to minimise crop losses and facilitate the drainage of excess water.

In the event of a Red Warning, BDOs will submit ground-level preparedness and situation reports twice daily, at 9 am and 7 pm. A 24-hour district control room will remain operational, with NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services teams kept ready for rescue and evacuation operations. The Collector categorically directed that no government officer should leave headquarters without prior permission.

Meanwhile, relief operations are underway for nearly 80,000 hectares of farmland flooded by Cyclone Arnab, with affected families receiving 50 kg of rice and Rs 2,500 alongside processed crop insurance and input aid.

To expedite restoration, the district administration has cancelled Sunday’s government employee holiday and postponed Monday’s public grievance hearing. Meanwhile, the Collector urged residents not to panic, stay vigilant, follow official advisories, and move to designated safe shelters

if needed.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sunil Mohan Patnaik

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