Contingency plans ready to face cyclone, says Naveen Patnaik

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said that all preparations have been done to meet any eventuality arising out of the possible cyclonic storm hitting the state's coast, and added that contingency plans are in place to face the situation.

"I have just reviewed the situation; all preparation have been made. All the concerned departments have contingency plans to face the situation," Patnaik told the media here after conducting a review meeting.

Meanwhile, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Commander M K Yadav informed that his team is ready for any challenge that may arise if the state is hit by cyclone.

"12 teams are ready. The cyclone is in deep depression, it can go into cyclonic storm, the speed is expected to be 140 kmph. It is hard to say where exactly it will hit," said Yadav.

"By today evening or tomorrow morning, the position of the cyclone will be clear. It may hit between Kalingapatnam and Vizag. It might be very severe, but not as severe as Phailin. We will be preparing for a very severe cyclonic storm," he added.

According to reports from the Meteorological Department, the state government has been informed that Cyclone Hudhud is heading toward north Andhra Pradesh and Odisha and is set to hit the coast by October 12. Under its influence, strong winds and heavy rains are likely to lash the areas along the south Odisha-Andhra coast.