Odisha govt sets zero casualty target as Cyclone Phailin approaches

BHUBANESWAR:With IMD warning a storm surge of about 15 feet (3 meters) besides wind speed of about 220 kmph during landfall of Cyclone Phailin tomorrow evening, Odisha government today set a target of "zero casualty" and ordered speedy evacuation of people in seven coastal districts.


"The Collectors of all seven districts like Ganjam, Gajapati, Puri, Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara, Nayagarh and Khurda have been directed to start evacuation and ensure 100 per cent evacuation of people to cyclone and flood shelters and other safe places by today evening," said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister S N Patro.

The Collectors of Bhadrak and Balasore districts have also been alerted, the minister said.

As at least 9885 persons were killed in the super cyclone of 1999, the state government was concerned about the safety of the people. "Our first priority is zero casualty," Patro said.

Patro directed the district authorities said relief teams to be ready with relief material and necessary means of transportation. "Fuel like diesel, kerosene, LPG should be kept reserved in the district and block locations," Patro said.

Chief Secretary J K Mohapatra said the government has also directed opening of free kitchens from this evening for the people who would be evacuated to safe shelters. "Dry food should be kept reserved for the next day," Mohapatra said adding that the teams for clearing of roads must be kept ready with all required equipment.

"They (road clearing team) must be visible on roads just after the cyclone passes away and they should clear the roads within 12 hours of cyclone," Mohapatra said in his directive.

NHAI authorities have also been mobilized for clearing of National Highways, officials said adding that Police has been asked to strengthen patrolling on NH for smooth passage of vehicles carrying relief materials.

"We are making necessary arrangements for air dropping of food packets. Specific teams have been constituted for the purpose who are busy making food packets for 1 lakh people," a senior officer at the Special Relief Commission's office said.