Baripada: In response to the Indian Meteorological Department’s (IMD) forecast of heavy rainfall and potential floods on September 14th and 15th, Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kanta Say held an urgent virtual review meeting today to assess the preparedness of the district.
According to the IMD, a Red Warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, predicting isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm, with some areas expecting more than 20 cm) accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. In anticipation of these conditions, the district administration has taken proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of the population.
As part of the precautionary measures, the district administration has announced the closure of all Anganwadi centers, schools, and colleges for the affected days. Fire stations across the district have been put on high alert, ready to assist with rescue and evacuation operations if necessary.
Block Development Officers (BDOs), Tehsildars, Revenue Inspectors, and Executive Officers of Urban Local Bodies have been instructed to draft relocation plans for villages and habitations that are vulnerable to flooding. The administration has also made arrangements to provide essential services, including water supply, lighting, and sanitation at cyclone and flood shelters.
To further ensure public safety, the district has made provisions for adequate supplies of food, including dry and baby food, and ordered the supply of safe drinking water, medicines, and other essentials to be maintained in affected areas.