Bhubaneswar, Sept. 22 (UDN): Odisha is not facing a cyclone threat at present, but the state government has sounded a high alert for heavy rainfall across several southern districts as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen in the coming days.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level preparedness meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday and directed all concerned departments and district administrations to remain on alert and implement precautionary measures ahead of the expected spell of rain.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central and adjoining west-central Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a depression within the next 24 hours and further strengthen into a deep depression over the following day. The system is expected to move west-northwestwards and approach the north Andhra Pradesh-south Odisha coast by the morning of September 23.
The IMD has forecast the onset of rainfall from September 22, with around 11 districts in south Odisha expected to receive heavy showers through September 24. Coastal areas may experience winds of 45-55 kmph, while stronger winds of up to 70 kmph are expected over the central Bay of Bengal.
During the review meeting, the Chief Secretary held discussions with Collectors and senior officials from vulnerable districts, including Ganjam, Gajapati and Malkangiri. She instructed authorities to closely monitor low-lying areas, drainage systems and river basins, besides ensuring prompt response to any emerging situation.
As a precaution, leave of officials in likely affected districts has been cancelled. District administrations have also been asked to shift expectant mothers to nearby healthcare facilities in advance to avoid disruptions during adverse weather.
The Water Resources Department reviewed reservoir conditions and flood management measures. Officials informed the meeting that Balimela and Kolab reservoirs have sufficient storage capacity to accommodate additional inflows, while the Indravati reservoir is currently at around 84 per cent of its capacity. The Chief Secretary directed officials to regulate water levels as required and maintain continuous surveillance over dams, embankments and other vulnerable infrastructure.
The Special Relief Commissioner’s office has activated round-the-clock monitoring through its control room, while flood and cyclone shelters are being inspected for preparedness. Teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are being positioned in vulnerable areas to ensure quick deployment if required.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until September 24, and those already at sea have been asked to return to safe harbours.
Senior officials, including Director General of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi, Special Relief Commissioner Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, secretaries of key departments and senior engineers from the Water Resources Department, attended the preparedness meeting.a
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