States » EastPosted at: Oct 23 2026 8:56PM


Odisha steps up cyclone preparedness,prepares comprehensive contingency plans

Bhubaneswar, Oct 23 (UNI) The Odisha government has stepped up its preparedness to tackle a possible cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari directing officials to ensure comprehensive contingency plans and round-the-clock readiness.
Pujari chaired a high-level review meeting here on Friday at the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) conference hall in view of the possibility of a low-pressure system over the central and adjoining southeast Bay of Bengal intensifying into a cyclonic storm and moving towards the north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts.
As part of its preparedness measures, the state government has kept the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and Fire Services personnel ready to respond to any emergency.
According to the IMD forecast, the low-pressure system is likely to intensify into a depression by October 24 and a deep depression by October 25. It has a strong possibility of developing into a cyclonic storm over the west-central Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 26.
The system is then expected to intensify further and move west-northwestwards towards north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha over the following two days.
The state government has directed district collectors and all concerned departments to keep their contingency plans in place and ensure that emergency response arrangements are fully operational.
With sea conditions expected to remain rough, fishermen who have ventured into the deep sea have been asked to return to shore immediately. Owners of large trawlers and ships have also been alerted.
OSDMA has instructed the administration to identify vulnerable low-lying areas, facilitate the safe evacuation of residents wherever necessary, keep cyclone shelters ready and ensure the availability of essential emergency services.
Special emphasis has been placed on protecting pregnant women, particularly those nearing their expected dates of delivery, and newborn babies in potentially affected areas.
Officials have been directed to identify such women in advance and shift them to cyclone shelters or nearby district headquarters hospitals and community health centres, as appropriate, before the situation deteriorates.
The Health Department has been asked to ensure the readiness of medical relief centres, mobile health teams and hospitals, with adequate stocks of emergency medicines, uninterrupted power backup and facilities for emergency deliveries.
OSDMA has also advised authorities to arrange safe drinking water, dry food and essential healthcare support at cyclone shelters, with particular attention to pregnant women, new mothers and children.
The low-pressure system is expected to trigger rainfall across Odisha from the morning of October 26, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely in several districts between October 26 and 28.
For October 27, Puri, Ganjam and Gajapati districts have been identified as areas of particular concern, with the possibility of heavy to very heavy rainfall.
Alerts have also been issued for several other districts, including Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Keonjhar, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri and Kalahandi, where widespread rainfall is possible.
Authorities are continuously disseminating weather-related information and safety advisories through WhatsApp and other communication channels to keep the public informed.
Reiterating its commitment to the zero-casualty policy, the government has directed the administration to remain fully alert and take all necessary precautionary measures to minimise the potential impact of the developing weather system.
The public has been urged to remain vigilant, cooperate with the administration, follow official advisories and refrain from spreading or believing rumours. Authorities have advised people to rely only on verified information issued by government agencies as the situation develops.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha steps up cyclone preparedness#prepares comprehensive contingency plans
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