Ganjam district in Odisha has stepped up emergency preparations after the India Meteorological Department forecast heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms and gusty winds ahead of a possible cyclone impact on November 19 and 20. The warning comes as the district continues restoration and rehabilitation work following the damage caused by severe cyclonic storm Arnab in late October.
The IMD has forecast heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places in Ganjam on November 19 and 20. Thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and winds of 50-60 kmph are also likely in some areas during the period, according to the report. The forecast has prompted the district administration to alert officials across its jurisdictions.
Ganjam Collector Keerthi Vasan V said tehsildars, block development officers and executive officers had been instructed to remain alert and ensure necessary preparedness after receiving the IMD forecast. He also directed officials to inform the district administration without delay about any situation requiring immediate intervention.
The special relief commissioner has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the south Odisha coast. Sea conditions could become rough to very rough on November 17 and 18, and the district administration has begun creating awareness among fishing communities about the advisory.
The latest warning places additional pressure on a district still dealing with the consequences of the previous cyclone and the heavy rain that followed. Cyclone Arnab made landfall in Andhra Pradesh on October 28, after which flooding in the Rushikulya and Bahuda river systems affected Ganjam. Several houses and large infrastructure facilities were damaged across the district.
The earlier disaster also triggered landslides in Gidipabali, a hilltop village under Baibili panchayat. At least seven people were killed and six remained missing after the landslides, according to the report. The administration is continuing relief and rehabilitation measures for affected families while preparing for the new weather threat.
The collector has cancelled the holidays of government employees on Saturday and Sunday, directing them to attend their respective offices. The order has been issued because restoration and rehabilitation work linked to Cyclone Arnab remains under way and emergency response and relief operations require continued staffing.
Financial assistance has been handed over to each affected family in Gidipabali for house construction, household needs and losses related to the landslide. Essential supplies have also been provided. Under the Vasundhara scheme, the government will provide land to affected families and arrange free hostel accommodation and educational facilities for students, the report said.
The district administration’s immediate measures include communicating the sea advisory to fishermen, keeping field-level officials alert and maintaining government staffing during the weekend. The next operational focus will be preparedness for the forecast rainfall, lightning and strong winds on November 19 and 20 while ongoing rehabilitation work continues.
