WITH an orange alert issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) over the possibility of cyclone-induced rainfall, the Sarangarh-Bilaigarh district administration has stepped up preparedness to deal with any eventuality. Collector Padmini Bhoi Sahu has directed all concerned departments to remain on high alert, strengthen coordination and ensure the timely deployment of relief and rescue services if required. According to the weather forecast, the cyclone is likely to reach the northern Andhra Pradesh coast. Rainfall is expected in Sukma and Dantewada districts on October 27, followed by rainfall across all districts of Chhattisgarh on October 28 and 29.

 

The Collector has instructed the Revenue, Police, Panchayat and Rural Development, Urban Administration, Health, CSPDCL and Water Resources departments to work in close coordination. District and tehsil control rooms have been directed to remain operational, with continuous monitoring of weather forecasts and official warnings. Special vigilance has been ordered in low-lying areas, waterlogging-prone locations and areas vulnerable to flooding. Officials have been asked to keep relief and rescue arrangements ready, coordinate with the State Disaster Response Force, Home Guards and other rescue teams, and regularly monitor water levels in reservoirs and dams. Timely warnings to residents in potentially affected areas and the protection of electricity infrastructure and essential services have also been emphasised. Appealing to residents to exercise caution,

 

Collector Padmini Bhoi Sahu advised them to follow official weather advisories and avoid crossing rivers, streams, waterlogged stretches and roads with strong water currents. During thunderstorms and lightning, people should stay away from open areas, trees and electricity poles. Rural residents have been urged to pay particular attention to the safety of children and elderly persons. The administration has also appealed to farmers to safeguard harvested paddy and other agricultural produce kept in fields or open spaces. Residents have been advised against taking unnecessary risks and urged to report emergencies promptly to the local administration. The Collector directed officials to ensure that warnings and safety advisories reach the public without delay, stressing that preventing loss of life remains the administration’s foremost priority.