Odisha to evacuate 32,000 people amid heavy rainfall alert; 32 trains cancelled

Administrations in Malakangiri, Koraput, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, Gajapati, Ganjam, Kalahandi and Kandhamal districts have been put on “high alert” to tackle the situation. Schools and Anganwadi Centres in these districts will remain closed till October 30.

Districts like Koraput and Malakangiri have already started receiving rainfall, which is likely to intensify on Tuesday, officials said.

“All preparations are in place to tackle the situation. Senior officers from Bhubaneswar with past experience of handling such situations have been sent to the districts to assist administrations on the ground,” said Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has cancelled at least 32 trains passing through cyclone-affected areas on Tuesday and diverted three others.

As many as 140 teams, including those from the NDRF, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and fire services, have been deployed with equipment such as boats to assist local administrations in relief and rescue operations.

Special Relief Commissioner, Odisha, D K Singh said the state government is also in touch with Coast Guard authorities to use helicopters if evacuation becomes necessary.

Considering the heavy rainfall alert, the state government has begun discharging water from some major dams.

Districts such as Malakangiri and Gajapati have sent senior officers to landslide-prone zones to bring people to safety.

From the homepage

‘Calculated attempt to silence dissent’: Sonam Wangchuk’s wife tells SC in amended plea challenging his NSA detention

‘Unforgettable experience’: President Droupadi Murmu shares Rafale moment with pilot Pak falsely claimed it captured

Days after ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes kill 104 in Gaza