As Odisha Braces For Cyclone Fani, Poll Code Lifted In 11 Regions, Leaves Of Doctors Cancelled

The Election Commission has relaxed the model code of conduct in 11 districts in Odisha as the state is making arrangements to provide speedy relief and rescue operation in view of cyclonic storm Fani which is expected to make landfall on Friday.

MCC been lifted in Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Gajapati, Ganjam, Khordha, Cuttack and Jajpur districts.

BCCL

Earlier Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had met Election Commission officials asking for the lifting of the model code in several coastal districts of the state to facilitate disaster management activities ahead of cyclone Fani.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a ‘yellow warning’ for residents along the coast as it predicted that Cyclone Fani would intensify into an “extremely severe cyclonic storm” by Wednesday evening.

Meanwhile, the state is taking all precautions and has deployed the Indian Navy, Coast Guard, and National Disaster Response Force for relief measures.?

All leaves of doctors and health staff in Odisha have been cancelled till May 15. Those who are on leave have been asked to report back to respective headquarters by Wednesday evening.

BCCL

Extremely severe cyclonic storm Fani, which is approaching India's eastern coast, is likely to hit Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri in Odisha on Friday with a wind speed of 175-185 km per hour.