Malkangiri, Nov 4 (UDN): In view of the approaching cyclone and the possibility of adverse weather conditions, the Malkangiri district administration has intensified its precautionary measures, evacuation operations and emergency preparedness to ensure the safety of residents, particularly those living in vulnerable and low-lying areas of the district.
According to the official report, a total of 5,073 people have been safely evacuated from vulnerable locations across the district and shifted to 149 permanent cyclone shelters and other pucca buildings as part of the ongoing precautionary arrangements. Giving special priority to healthcare and the safety of expectant mothers, the administration has also facilitated the safe relocation of 109 pregnant women to nearby maternal care centres and hospitals to ensure that they receive timely medical attention during the emergency.
To deal with any possible emergency arising from the cyclone, disaster response and firefighting teams have been strategically deployed across the district. These include one Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) team, one National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team and nine Fire Services teams, which have been stationed at various sensitive and vulnerable locations to undertake rescue, relief and emergency response operations whenever required.
As part of the district-wide monitoring arrangements, senior administrative officials have been deployed in Kalimela, Mathili, Chitrakonda and Malkangiri Sadar areas to closely assess the evolving situation and directly supervise preparedness activities at the ground level. Deputy Collectors and Assistant Collectors have also been assigned responsibilities in Kalimela and Mathili to coordinate emergency operations, monitor evacuation arrangements and ensure effective implementation of precautionary measures.
Meanwhile, the district control room has been made operational round the clock to monitor the overall situation, coordinate with field-level officials and respond promptly to emergency calls and requirements. The administration is maintaining continuous communication with concerned departments to ensure that all necessary arrangements remain in place throughout the period of adverse weather conditions.
According to the rainfall report, Malkangiri district recorded an average rainfall of 2.81 millimetres between 8 AM and 4 PM on the day. The wind speed during this period remained normal, with no significant deterioration in weather conditions reported at the time of assessment.
The district administration has appealed to residents, particularly those living in vulnerable areas, to remain alert without giving in to panic, cooperate with evacuation teams and strictly follow official advisories and safety instructions. People have also been urged to avoid unnecessary movement during adverse weather conditions and extend cooperation to government officials and emergency response personnel.
With more than 5,000 people already shifted to safer locations, special arrangements for pregnant women, deployment of disaster response teams and continuous monitoring through the 24-hour control room, the Malkangiri district administration is maintaining heightened preparedness to minimise potential damage and safeguard lives in the event of the approaching cyclone.