As the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm FANI which is about 450 km south-southwest of Puri in the morning of May 2 will cross Odisha coast around Puri by the afternoon of May 3., said India Meteorological Department.
It said the Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm FANI over Westcentral Bay of Bengal moved north-north East direction and is likely to make landfall at Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, on May 3 with wind speed of up to 200 km per hour.
Ships at Visakhapatnam are standing by with relief material for immediate deployment to the most affected areas to undertake Humanitarian Aid Distress Relief (HADR) operation.
Diving and medical teams are also kept ready augmenting rescue and relief efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Naval aircraft are kept ready at Naval Air Stations, INS Dega and INS Rajali to undertake an aerial survey of the most affected areas, casualty evacuation and airdrop of relief material as required by the State Administration.
Odisha Government has assigned 12 IAS and 11 IPS officers to supervise relief and restoration work in eight coastal districts as cyclone Fani is expected to cross Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali on May 3 afternoon with sustained high wind speed.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reviewed the preparedness. He said that every life is precious and directed officials to ensure 100% evacuation in vulnerable areas. He emphasized that special care should be taken to safely evacuate pregnant women, children, old and differently abled from vulnerable areas.
Patnaik also reviewed the preparedness measures undertaken including pre-positioning of response forces. He emphasized on early restoration of power, water and road communication.
“About eight lakh people are being evacuated and sheltered in cyclone centres, schools and other safer places,” said officials.
“About 879 cyclone centres have been kept in readiness for sheltering evacuated people,” said CMO Odisha.
