Chatrapur, Sept. 21 (UDN): The Ganjam district administration has intensified disaster preparedness as a weather system over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen and move close to the district, with a Red Warning in place for September 23 and 24.
Authorities are preparing for heavy rainfall, strong winds and possible flooding, waterlogging and landslides across vulnerable parts of the district.
24-Hour Control Rooms Activated
Ganjam Collector V. Keerthi Vasan said the administration is fully prepared to respond to any emergency arising from the weather system.
Round-the-clock control rooms have been activated at both district and block levels to coordinate response measures and monitor developments.
People have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel during periods of severe weather. The Collector also urged farmers to stay away from agricultural fields for the next three to four days, particularly because of the possibility of lightning and heavy rain.
Flood-Prone Areas Under Watch
Officials have identified vulnerable locations that could experience flooding and waterlogging. Cyclone and flood shelters across the district have been kept ready for evacuation if required.
Residents living close to rivers and the sea will be shifted to safer locations if conditions deteriorate.
Digapahandi and Sanakhemundi, which experienced flooding following heavy rainfall last year, have been placed under special watch.
Kalinga Ghat Faces Landslide Risk
The administration has also identified vulnerable hill stretches, particularly around Kalinga Ghat, where heavy rain could trigger landslides or rockfalls.
Fire Services and ODRAF personnel have been deployed in the area. Any decision to regulate or suspend traffic through the ghat will be taken in coordination with the Kandhamal district administration based on the ground situation.
Tumba in Patrapur block and riverine areas of Chikiti have also been identified as vulnerable locations.
Key Departments Put On Alert
Officials from Health, Energy, Police, ODRAF, Fire Services, National Highways and Rural Development departments have been directed to remain prepared.
Field-level officers have been asked to conduct regular inspections and maintain close contact with local authorities. Electricity officials have been instructed to begin restoration work immediately in case strong winds or heavy rain damage power infrastructure.
Government employees have also been directed not to leave their headquarters, while employees already on leave have been asked to return. Revenue Inspectors and Panchayat Executive Officers have been told to remain available at their respective headquarters.
School Closure to Depend on Weather
The administration said a decision on closure of schools and colleges would be taken after assessing the rainfall and weather situation.
Authorities are also monitoring reservoir levels as part of flood preparedness.
The Baghalati and Ghodahada reservoirs currently have around 50-60 per cent of their storage capacity available. If required, water will be released in a controlled manner, with advance public announcements through loudspeakers.
With the Red Warning covering September 23 and 24, district officials are maintaining heightened preparedness to minimise risks to life, property and critical infrastructure.