Bhubaneawar, May 22: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday reviewed the State’s preparedness for the impending cyclonic storm Yass and directed officials to remain careful in preparedness to ensure COVID-19 infection is not spread due to crowding at the cyclone shelters.
Odisha is bracing up for cyclonic storm Yass on May 26 amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chief Minister directed to provide all the back up to the healthcare centres in terms of power generators, water supply, medicines and food supplies to manage the cyclone impact.
“The oxygen supply and buffer stock has to be assessed at various hospitals and the task force should closely monitor the situation. Supply of oxygen within and outside the State should not be disrupted,” said the Chief Minister, adding that to ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply, diesel generator sets have been provided to all oxygen refilling stations.
Instructions have also been issued to refill all empty cylinders in advance.
In order to avoid overcrowding at one place and also to maintain adequate social distancing norms, administrations of the coastal and adjoining districts have been directed to identify more cyclone shelters. Accordingly, over 3,000 cyclone shelters have been identified in four northern districts – Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur.
“Odisha is one of the most disaster resilient State and we have been facing cyclones almost every year now. It is further complicated by the Covid pandemic situation. However, I am confident that all of you will rise to the occasion and ensure fool-proof preparedness,” said Patnaik during the review meeting that was attended by senior Government officials and district Collectors.
Though the cyclone path is not clear yet, the Meteorological Department said it may hit north Odisha and West Bengal coasts around the morning of May 26.
Reiterating the State Government’s target of “zero casualty” during the cyclone, the Chief Minister directed district Collectors and SPs to personally ensure this as the top most priority.
During the meeting, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) PK Jena said 66 ODRAF, 22 NDRF, 177 fire service teams and 35 tree cutting troops will be deployed in next two days with all equipment in the likely to be affected districts.
