Cyclone Fani hit Odisha’s Puri district on Friday. The impact of the landfall is likely to continue till noon and after that, the cyclone is expected to move north-westwards and gradually weaken as it reaches West Bengal.
According to the officials, over a million people have been moved from the coastal areas to camps on higher grounds. The Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and disaster management agencies are on standby.
Here are the ways one can prepare and stay safe during this kind of an emergency situation –
Prevention, before the cyclone
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Check that the walls, roof and eaves of your home are secure. You should add shutters and screens in the preparedness of the storm.
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Clear your property of loose material that could blow about and possibly cause injury or damage during extreme winds.
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In case of a storm surge, you should be able to access your nearest high ground and safe area which you can access.
- Speak to your neighbours and help each other out to plan for evacuation.
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Prepare an emergency kit containing:
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a portable battery radio, torch
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water containers, canned food, packaged items
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matches, cooking gear
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a first aid kit and manual and waterproof bags.
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Get the list of emergency phone numbers and keep yourself updated with the situation.
- Remain indoors along with your pets, don’t leave them outside. Help out each other.
During Evacuation
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Wear protective layers of clothing and good sturdy shoes.
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Lock your house completely, double check all doors and take an emergency kit with you.
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If evacuating to a public shelter follow the guidelines by the State Emergency services. Take your pets and important items with you
ALSO READ: LIVE | Cyclone Fani: No flights to & from Kolkata Airport from 3 pm…
When the cyclone strikes
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First thing, disconnect all electrical devices.
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Stay inside and shelter yourselves from the strong winds, use tapes to mask doors and windows.
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If the building starts to break up, protect yourself with mattresses, rugs or blankets under a strong table or bench or hold onto a solid fixture.
Here are the helpline numbers for the people stuck in the Cyclone Fani.
A central control room, set up to oversee the rescue and relief efforts, can be reached at +916742534177.
#Odisha’s emergency helpline number for #CycloneFani +916742534177, Control room number of different districts:- pic.twitter.com/aMoXKgDFJf
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) May 3, 2019
The Railways has also released helpline numbers:
Bhubaneswar- (0674-2303060, 2301525, 2301625)
Khurda Road (0674-2490010, 2492511, 2492611)
Sambalpur (0663- 2532230, 2533037, 2532302)
Visakhapatnam – (0891- 2746255, 1072)
Puri- 06752-225922
Bhadrak- 06784-230827
Cuttack- 0671-2201865
Berhampur- 0680-2229632