Cyclone Fani: Govt takes extensive safety measures

Extensive safety measures have been taken by the Government with zero casualty target.  

A massive exodus got underway in coastal Odisha as Lakhs of people left their homes in probably the largest evacuation ahead of a natural disaster in the country. 

The Odisha government has moved more than 11 lakh people to safety and advised the public to remain indoors.

  

After crossing Odisha, cyclone Fani is likely to move towards West Bengal. It is also likely to impact parts of the northeast, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. 

There is a forecast of massive tides up to 1.5 metres and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea. Leaves of the Government employees in the coastal districts have cancelled. 

NDRF Director-General said, 81 teams of NDRF has been



deployed along the affected coastline. 

The Indian Coast Guard and the Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief and rescue operations. Army and Air Force units in the three States have also been put on standby. 

In neighbouring Bangladesh, the government has issued mass evacuation orders in 19 coastal districts to prevent casualties from the cyclone. The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Bangladesh today after hitting Indian coastlines.

The Home Ministry's Control Room helpline number for Cyclone Fani 1938 is operational to provide latest information. Odisha’s emergency helpline number for Cyclone Fani is 06742534177.

The Railways has also released helpline numbers: Bhubaneswar- (0674-2303060), Puri- 06752-225922,  Cuttack- 0671-2201865.