heavy-rain-alert-malkangiri-steps-up-landfall-preparations

Odisha’s Malkangiri district has intensified its disaster preparedness after a red alert was issued for an approaching cyclone, with relief teams placed on standby and 220 JCB excavators deployed to support emergency operations and prevent casualties.

 

Malkangiri Collector Prathamesh Arvind Rajeshirke said heavy rain is expected to become more intense from Wednesday evening as the cyclone makes landfall. The rainfall is likely to continue until Thursday morning.

 

Khairput and Mathili blocks have already received more than 60 mm and 80 mm of rain, respectively, while the district’s cumulative rainfall remains below 350 mm. The Collector said the reduction in rain since 6 am could be temporary, with severe weather expected to resume in the evening and continue through the following morning.

 

Authorities are keeping a close watch on low-lying locations and water bodies. Four bridges were submerged during heavy rainfall two weeks ago, prompting the administration to install police barricades near three to four vulnerable bridges to prevent accidents.

 

The 220 JCB machines have been positioned to respond to possible landslides in valley and ghat areas. They will also be used for urgent road clearance and the removal of debris if access routes are blocked.

 

Cyclone shelters have been placed in operational readiness should evacuations become necessary. The administration has arranged dry rations as well as cooked food, while holidays have been declared for all schools and Anganwadi centres. Leave granted to government officers has also been cancelled.

Two teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been moved from Koraput to strengthen rescue and relief work. One team has been assigned to Mathili and Govindpalli, while the other has been deployed in Kalimela.

 

Preparedness meetings chaired by the Odisha Chief Secretary and the State Revenue Minister reviewed the standard operating procedures. All departments have been instructed to coordinate closely, with the administration focusing on achieving zero casualties and reducing inconvenience for residents.