Odisha Gears Up for Cyclone Season: Chief Secretary Chairs Pre-Cyclone Preparedness Review

Bhubaneswar: With the onset of cyclone season approaching, the Odisha government has ramped up its preparedness efforts. A high-level review meeting was held in Bhubaneswar today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja to assess the readiness of various departments for potential cyclones and floods.

During the meeting, Ahuja stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination, urging officials to draw from the state’s experience in managing Cyclone Fani in 2019. He directed the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to further strengthen the early warning dissemination system to ensure timely alerts reach every individual, especially in vulnerable and remote areas.

The meeting focused on evaluating the efficiency of current weather alert systems, including Doppler Weather Radar infrastructure and digital communication channels. Officials from OSDMA informed that preparations are complete for establishing Doppler Weather Radar stations in Balasore and Sambalpur, which will significantly improve real-time weather monitoring and prediction capabilities.

Comprehensive Department-Wise Review

Senior officials from key departments, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Special Relief Commissioner, and Director General of Fire Services, presented their respective contingency plans. Discussions emphasized the deployment of ODRAF (Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force) teams, enhancement of telecommunication networks, establishment of a Unified Command System for rapid response, and floodwater drainage arrangements in urban areas.

The meeting also reviewed preparedness in critical sectors such as:

• Water Resources Management to ensure dam safety and river monitoring.
• Food Supplies to maintain emergency stockpiles in cyclone-prone regions.
• Drainage System Maintenance to prevent urban flooding.
• Medical Infrastructure Readiness for emergency healthcare delivery.
• Women and Child Welfare to safeguard vulnerable populations during disasters.

Coordination between cyclone shelters, local administration, and community volunteers was underscored as vital for ensuring smooth evacuation and relief operations.