Bhubaneswar, May 23 (FN Representative) Odisha government has deployed 22 NDRF teams, 66 ODRAF teams and 177 Fire services teams for relief and rescue operation in the areas likely to be affected by Cyclone Yaas. The central government has kept the Navy, Army, Air force and Coast Guard on standby to help the West Bengal and Odisha government in the relief and rescue operation Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who reviewed the cyclone preparedness at a high level meeting here on Saturday directed the administration to make full proof preparation to counter the possible cyclone likely to hit the North Odisha coast on May 26 next.
Reviewing the preparation made to counter the cyclone through virtual mode he said Odisha is disaster resilient and the state government is fully prepared to face any eventuality. He appealed to the people not to be panicked, to remain alert and follow the advice of the authorities. Almost every year we are facing cyclones but this time the Covid Pandemic has made the situation more complicated,the Chief Minister said. . Stating that every life is valuable, Mr.Patnaik said in the present situation our foremost duty is the evacuation of people living in low lying areas and in unsafe houses to safer places. Mr Patnaik directed the District Collectors and SPs to personally supervise the evacuation of the people in their respective areas. He also directed the Chief Secretary to regularly monitor the cyclone preparation activities and give necessary advice to district administration.
Mr Patnaik directed the officials of all the coastal and its adjoining districts to remain alert and to take all possible precautionary measures to counter the heavy rainfall and cyclone. Chief Secretary S C Mohapatra said the state is fully prepared to meet any eventuality.He said the cyclone shelters were kept ready to house the people evacuated from the vulnerable areas. Special Relief Commissioner PK Jena said although the path of the cyclone will be known by this evening the NDRF, ODRAF and Fire service teams have been deployed in the coastal districts likely to be hit by the Cyclone Yaas. Mr.Jena would visit Balasore and Bhadrak district today to take stock of the preparedness as these two north Odisha districts situated close to West Bengal are likely to be affected more in the event the cyclone Yaas hit the Odisha- West Bengal coast on May 26.