Bhograi: Fear has gripped people of the coastal district of Balasore with the IMD forecast that ‘Cyclone Yaas’ is likely to hit it. The district administration is also bracing to tackle the situation in the aftermath of cyclonic storm.
A number of virtual meetings involving the district collector, SP and block level officials were conducted Thursday. Steps to minimise infrastructural damage and to protect the people have already been discussed.
It has been decided that tehsildars, additional tehsildars, BDOs, fire officers, health officers, block chairmen and officials of other concerned departments will work in coordination.
Meanwhile, all the 22 cyclone shelters and 160 schools in this block have been sanitised. It has been done so that people can be evacuated to these shelters quickly. Similarly, all measures have been taken to ensure supply of electricity, drinking water and food to people taking shelter in these buildings. The administration is also keeping an eye on IMD forecasts. If the situation deteriorates, people living in low-lying areas will promptly be taken to shelters.
Balasore district lying close to the border with West Bengal is continuously getting a feedback about ‘Yaas’. With apprehensions about the storm growing, fishermen who have ventured out into the deep sea are also returning. The administration has asked them to return by May 23.
Remembering the devastation caused by ‘Amphan’ last year, people have started taking precautionary measures. People living in houses with thatched-roof are securing those with ropes. Similarly, farmers are seen brining the harvest to safer places.
PNN