Cyclone Yaas: Odisha launches a challenging evacuation in coastal areas

‘Two types of shelters are being identified — one for COVID-19 and other one for normal — which is a difficult task to perform,’ says a Block Development Officer.

As very severe cyclone Yaas hurtles towards the Odisha coast, field level functionaries in coastal pockets have launched one of most critical evacuations they have ever carried out. Evacuation in the run-up to the cyclone has become much more challenging this time on three counts – Yaas is predicted to cross the coast with 155-165 km wind speed gusting up to 180 km, the COVID-19 situation in villages is far worse compared to that of last year, and May 26, being a full moon day, could magnify the impact of sea surge. At his office, Pranav Kumar Behera, Block Development Officer of Basudevpur in Bhadrak district, is busy identifying vulnerable population facing cyclone threat and he cannot afford to lose time in evacuating people. “I have initial target of shifting 25,000 people to safer place by 10 a.m. on Tuesday. The number is likely to increase. Two types of shelters are being identified – one for COVID-19 and other one for normal – which is a difficult task to perform,” he said.