Odisha buckles in as cyclone approaches

Odisha is now focussing on its southern districts that are likely to bear the brunt of a fast approaching cyclonic storm.

With India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting that the cyclonic storm Hudhud is likely to make landfall close to Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, the entire focus of Odisha government has shifted to the southern districts of the state.

After the forecast of the IMD, the state government has decided to deploy rescue teams in Koraput and Ganjam while other districts have been asked to remain on alert.

The predicted route of the storm indicates it will strike Pottangi, Koraput, Narayanpatna, Jeypore in Koraput district, large parts of Malkangiri, Rayagada and Gajapati districts that lie close to the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh border.

"Since the IMD indicates Hudhud will make a land fall close to Vishakhapatnam and the storm will pass through Odisha's Malkangiri district, we have decided to deploy rescue teams ...in the southern districts," said deputy relief commissioner Pravat Ranjan Mohapatra.

Mohapatra said that 14 satellite phones have been brought from the central government to monitor and manage the rescue operation during cyclonic storm.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnik took a review meeting to discuss the contingency plan.

"I reviewed the contingency plan of important departments...Also tomorrow, there will be mock drill at cyclone shelters," said the chief minister.

He also wrote to Defence Minister Arun Jaitley requesting to issue instructions to the military, especially the air force, to remain in readiness.