The Odisha government has geared up the disaster preparedness measures and directed the Collectors of 15 districts to stay on alert even though initial analysis of the impending cyclone indicates that it is most likely to spare Odisha and hit the coast of Andhra Pradesh.
The depression over southwest Bay of Bengal is very likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during evening/night of 28 October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph, according the latest weather update of IMD.
Following the impact of cyclonic weather, heavy rain is likely to batter the southern and coastal parts of the State on 27, 28 and 29 October.
On direction of the government, the administration of several coastal and southern districts has cancelled the leaves of government employees and asked them not to leave the headquarters till further orders.
The district collectors have been empowered to draw up their own plans to deal with emergency situation.
As per the disaster control guidelines framed by the government, the district authorities will evacuate the people in vulnerable seaside areas to cyclone shelter buildings if the emergent situation warrants. Drinking waters and dry foods will be kept ready for the people to be shifted to safer locations.
The State Government has prioritized the safety of life and property in view of the cyclone and heavy rain forecast. Contingency measures are being kept ready to tackle possible landslides and urban flooding.
There is no need to panic as the government is keeping round the clock watch over the situation to ensure safety of people, said Suresh Pujari, the revenue and disaster management minister.