Odisha faces huge evacuation challenge as Cyclone Phailin picks up speed: Shashidhar Reddy

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Vice Chairman Shashidhar Reddy on Saturday said the evacuation of people would be a huge challenge for the Odisha Government, while reiterating his warning that Cyclone Phailin is picking up speed.

He appealed to the people to move to safer places on the advice of the local administration.

"The challenge, particularly for the Odisha Government, is in evacuating people to safer places. The overall figure is about five lakh people, and, this will be the challenge that will have to be met within a deadline," he said.

"The administration is in readiness, and the Government of India is taking all necessary steps. I request people to move on to safer places on the advice of the local administration," he added.

He further said that the very severe cyclonic storm Phailin is now situated about 260 kilometers south southeast of Gopalpur, and added that heavy rainfall has started in districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha borders.

"The way IMD has forecasted earlier, the cyclone is traveling in the same direction. Heavy rainfall has started in districts of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha borders. The wind speed might even go upto 240 kilometer per hour from 220 kilometer per hour," he said.

Reddy also said that the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has deputed 28 teams in Odisha, and about 15 teams in Andhra Pradesh, and added that the all the three forces are on full alert.

"The Army, the Air Force, and the Navy are all alert, and all assistance will be made available by these forces," he added.

Cyclone Phailin, which was touching wind speeds of 210 to 220 kilometer an hour on Friday, is expected to hit the coast of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh at around 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Cyclone Phailin, which has been put in the category of Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS), is expected to touch 240 kilometer per hour, when it hits the two states.

Media reports said that nearly three lakh people have been evacuated in Odisha, and at least 65,000 people have been evacuated in Andhra Pradesh by rescue and relief teams.

Authorities in the two states have warned of extensive damage to crops, village dwellings and old buildings, as well as disruption of power, water and rail services. Shelters were being stocked with rations, and leave for government employees for Dussehra have been cancelled.