Odisha Prepares for Cyclone: Schools Closed in 5 Districts
As Odisha braces for a cyclone on October 28-29, schools and colleges in five districts will remain closed, with 302 response teams on standby.
302 response teams, including 60 ODRAF and 17 NDRF, are prepared for cyclone response.
Schools in Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri will close on October 28 and 29.
The government emphasizes coordination and timely evacuations to minimize cyclone impact.
Odisha is gearing up for a significant cyclone expected to make landfall between north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha on October 28. In preparation, the state government has announced the closure of schools, colleges, and Anganwadi centers in five districts, namely Ganjam, Gajapati, Rayagada, Koraput, and Malkangiri, on the 28th and 29th. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state's readiness on October 24, expressing optimism about achieving zero casualties during the storm.
The India Meteorological Department has forecasted winds reaching 80-90 km/h and heavy rainfall in various regions of Odisha. The districts identified as most vulnerable are set to be closely monitored, with local collectors authorized to make decisions regarding school closures in other areas based on real-time assessments of the situation.
In total, the state has mobilized 302 response teams, including 60 from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and 17 from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). Additionally, 225 Fire Services teams are on alert. Cyclone shelters have been prepared, and plans are in place to transfer patients and pregnant women to safer healthcare facilities as needed.
The government is also focusing on ensuring that health centers in at-risk areas are stocked with essential medicines and medical supplies. Engineering departments are ready to restore infrastructure and clear debris, while fishermen have been warned to stay off the sea during the cyclone. Farmers are urged to harvest and secure their crops ahead of the impending weather disturbance.
As the cyclone approaches, the administration is prioritizing timely evacuations and the provision of essential supplies. With a coordinated response strategy in place, officials are working diligently to minimize disruption and protect lives in the affected regions.
