Odisha steps up evacuation and disaster preparedness measures in wake of Cyclone Murasu : Very Heavy Rainfall threat in South Odisha

By B.Maharana

Bhubaneswar,November 02
Severe Cyclonic Storm Murasu is also posing a threat of heavy to very heavy rainfall in southern parts of Odisha. Seven districts of the state are being closely monitored, particularly areas that are still recovering from the impact of Cyclone Arnab and subsequent floods.

The state government has stepped up evacuation and rescue operations as a precautionary measure. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and other emergency response agencies have been deployed in vulnerable areas to deal with any eventuality.

With rain already beginning in parts of southern Odisha, the administration is racing against time to move people from vulnerable locations to safer shelters. The government has identified seven vulnerable districts-Ganjam, Gajapati, Kandhamal, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput and Malkangiri. Schools in vulnerable areas will remain closed tomorrow and the day after.

More than 300 rescue teams comprising NDRF, ODRAF and Fire Services have been deployed for emergency operations, while people who had recently returned home after the floods are being shifted back to cyclone shelters. The immediate concern is that fresh rainfall could worsen flooding, trigger landslides and further disrupt normal life in these already affected districts.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 37 teams across five states including Odisha , with primary focus on coastal Andhra Pradesh, where 13 teams have been stationed to tackle emergencies, officials said.

BM