Bhubaneswar: As a well-marked low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm that may make landfall along the Andhra Pradesh coast November 3, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Saturday directed all departments to remain fully alert to deal with any possible emergency arising from the weather system.
Majhi reviewed the landslide situation in the aftermath of cyclone Arnab, assessed the damage caused by the cyclone and took stock of preparedness to deal with a possible fresh cyclonic threat at the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office here.
Emphasising that saving lives and ensuring public safety were the government’s top priorities, Majhi directed officials to intensify rescue operations in all landslide-hit areas, particularly at G Udayagiri in Kandhamal district, and ensure that every possible technological resource was deployed to trace missing persons trapped under debris.
Majhi directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure that search and rescue operations were carried out with urgency.
The CM was informed that a major technological intervention is being planned at the G Udayagiri landslide site, where an advanced seismic life detection unit used by the Indian Navy will be airlifted to assist rescue teams.
Equipped with specialised sensors and scanning technology, the system can detect biological signals of people trapped beneath soil, mud and debris, helping rescuers locate survivors. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire Services and Special Operations Group (SOG) are jointly conducting rescue operations in the affected areas.
The Indian Navy is also being roped in to strengthen the efforts, particularly in inaccessible locations, the CM was apprised. In another major step, the state government has sought assistance from the Railways to facilitate rescue and evacuation operations in landslide-affected areas.
Revenue and Disaster Management (R&DM) Minister Suresh Pujari spoke to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, seeking active support from the Ministry of Railways. The Centre has assured all necessary assistance, while the East Coast Railway has initiated steps to immediately dispatch a chain pulley system to the affected site.
The equipment is expected to help move people safely out of difficult and inaccessible terrain, officials informed the CM. Reviewing the overall disaster management preparedness, Majhi directed all departments to remain fully alert to deal with any possible emergency.
He also stressed the need for an accurate assessment of the damage caused by Cyclone Arnab and directed officials to expedite the restoration of essential services in affected areas. The CM instructed the Energy department to accord top priority to restoring electricity, road connectivity and other essential services on a war footing so that normalcy could be restored at the earliest.
Officials have been asked to ensure that people do not face prolonged disruption of basic services. With the possibility of another cyclonic system, the government has also begun advance preparations. The CM directed the administration to ensure that cyclone shelters remain ready, vulnerable people are evacuated in advance and adequate stocks of dry food, cooked meals, safe drinking water and medicines are maintained.
He also emphasised stronger coordination among different departments to ensure a prompt and effective response. Highlighting the importance of responsible communication during disasters, Majhi directed officials to provide the media with accurate and verified information.
He also asked the administration to promptly verify reports and information circulating in the media and through other sources and take necessary action. The CM said such measures were essential to prevent misinformation and ensure that the public received authentic information, thereby making rescue and relief operations more effective.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, R&DM department ACS Arvind Padhee, Energy department ACS Vishal Kumar Dev, DG of Fire Services Sudhanshu Sarangi, Regional Meteorological Centre Director Manorama Mohanty, SRC Rajesh Prabhakar Patil and I&PR department Director Sanjay Biswal were among those who attended the review meeting.