Odisha evacuates 1.6 lakh people as cyclone Murasu approaches coast
The state government has intensified preparedness measures across several districts to manage the potential impact of the storm.
The Odisha government has evacuated approximately 1,65,809 people from vulnerable zones as the state prepares for the possible impact of cyclone Murasu, according to reports by Pragativadi and The New Indian Express.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state is fully prepared and urged people to remain alert. While cyclone Murasu crossed the Andhra Pradesh coast late last night and moved towards Telangana, the state remains on high alert.
In Ganjam, 1,51,434 people have been shifted to safer locations. The district administration has prepared 1,139 shelters, including 110 permanent and 1,029 temporary facilities, with a capacity for 3,41,700 people.
Kandhamal has evacuated 2,394 people, including 146 pregnant women, to 35 permanent shelters. In Koraput, around 500 people have been moved to shelters, while Gajapati has identified 512 alternative shelters.
To manage the situation, the state has appointed four IAS officers as Additional Special Relief Commissioners for Ganjam, Gajapati, and Kandhamal districts. Rescue operations include 54 ODRAF teams, 9 NDRF squads, and over 100 fire service units.
A central inter-ministerial team is currently inspecting Gajapati district and is scheduled to visit Ganjam tomorrow. Meanwhile, repair works for infrastructure damaged by cyclone Arnab are proceeding across several departments.