WEB DESK
Evacuation of over eight lakh people from low-lying coastal areas is in full swing in Odisha as the extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ has moved closer to the eastern coast.
It is likely to make landfall near Puri tomorrow with wind speeds ranging up to 180 kilometres per hour.
Our correspondent quoting official sources said the evacuation exercise will be completed by this evening.
In view of the cyclone, FANI 103 train services under East Coast Railway zone have been cancelled from today.
However, three special trains have been arranged for the return of tourists of West Bengal.
5 special Buses have been deployed by Odisha State Road Transport Corporation for return of tourists from Puri. Ganjam, Puri, Khurda and Jagatsinghpur districts will be worst affected with the cyclone.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has appealed the people to not to be frightened and cooperate with the government during this emergency situation. He has also appealed to take care of women, children, old persons and differently abled persons.
70 High-level officers have been deployed in 9 coastal districts for smooth conduct of rescue and relief operations. 25,425 people have been shifted to 3001 cyclonic shelters in 11 districts till this morning.
Meanwhile, leaves of all doctors, health officials and police personnel have been cancelled. Educational institutions have been asked to remain closed for three days from today.
The Indian Coast Guard and the Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. Army and Air Force units have also been put on .
National Disaster Response Force, NDRF has deployed 28 teams in Odisha, 12 in Andhra Pradesh and 6 in West Bengal. Additionally, 32 teams have been kept on standby.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has issued an to all coastal airports to take precautionary measures to face any eventuality.
National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) met in New Delhi yesterday to take stock of the situation.
The NCMC will meet again today.