Bhubaneswar: The disaster management teams in Odisha are on a high alert in view of the cyclonic storm, brewing in the Bay of Bengal, with a heavy rainfall alert issued for the state from October 27 onwards.
Seven districts have cancelled government employees’ leaves to ensure readiness. Leaves of all government employees in Balasore, Malkangiri, Koraput, Kalahandi and Gajapati districts has been cancelled, while officials in Ganjam and Kendrapada districts has been directed to remain stationed at their headquarters until further orders.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said all district administrations, disaster response teams, and local bodies have been put on alert and directed to ensure round-the-clock readiness to tackle any possible emergency situation, especially in southern and coastal districts.
District collectors have been directed to evacuate residents from low-lying and vulnerable areas, he said, adding that 15 districts in coastal and southern Odisha are likely to be most affected.