Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Gulab heading towards Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Sunday reviewed the preparedness in several districts via video conferencing.
Patnaik advised the collectors of 11 districts to remain alert and target zero casualty.
Urging the officials to go extra mile to save lives, he advised them to make sure that the evacuation process is completed by afternoon and that Covid-19 norms are being followed strictly at cyclone shelters.
Patnaik directed the collectors of Rayagada, Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Khurda, Nayagarh, Puri and Kalahandi districts to ensure strict adherence to the standard operating procedure while shifting the pregnant women to hospitals on a priority basis.
Keeping the possibility of landslide in view, he asked the officials to shift people from vulnerable places. At the same time, he advised the officials to keep a watch on the condition of embankments in flood-prone areas in seven districts including Gajapati and Ganjam that are on high alert.
The Chief Minister urged the people to cooperate with the district administrations in tackling the cyclone. He has already directed all educational institutions to remain closed Monday. However, the concerned collectors can take a decision on reopening of schools after taking the situation into consideration.
The meeting was coordinated by 5T secretary VK Pandian. Special Relief Commissioner Pradeep Jena briefed the Chief Minister about the measures taken in districts likely to be affected by the cyclone.
Notably, the Patnaik is in New Delhi to attend the meeting of Chief Ministers of 10 Naxal-hit states.
PNN