Malkangiri: The Malkangiri district administration has stepped up preparedness measures in view of the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall from September 23 to 25 under the influence of a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal.
District Collector Prathamesh Aravind Rajasirke on Tuesday chaired a high-level virtual meeting to review preparedness for possible flooding and other emergencies, including evacuation of people from vulnerable areas, shelter arrangements and deployment of rescue teams.
The Collector directed all Block Development Officers, Tahsildars and administrative officials to remain on 24-hour alert.
As a precautionary measure, all schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres in the district have been ordered to remain closed. All liquor shops will also remain shut on September 24 to maintain law and order.
Community halls in Malkangiri and Balimela municipal areas have been prepared as temporary shelters for evacuated people, with arrangements made for dry food as well as hot meals. Awareness campaigns are being conducted through municipal sanitation vehicles and loudspeakers, urging residents of low-lying areas to shift to safer locations.
A total of 37 disaster management teams have been kept ready, with 12 teams deployed in Mathili and 25 in Kalimela.
Police patrolling has been intensified in vulnerable and submerged areas, including the Pangam and Kanyashram bridges. The district administration has prohibited people from entering floodwaters or other dangerous locations to shoot films or videos and warned of strict legal action for violations.
In landslide-prone hilly areas such as Bondaghati, Bayapada and Badadural, excavators and tree-cutting machines will be deployed by the Rural Development and Works authorities for immediate road clearance. Officials have also been directed to install danger warning boards.
Emergency lighting, ambulances and generators have been kept ready at community health centres, primary health centres, schools and Anganwadi centres across all blocks to deal with possible power disruptions and other emergencies.
The Collector appealed to people not to panic, follow official advisories and move to the nearest designated shelter in case of an emergency.
