Massive preparations underway to fight cyclone Fani; Here's how you can protect yourself and family

Keeping in mind the disaster it could bring, so far 11 lakh people have been moved to safer locations. Also, 81 NDRF teams have been deployed

New Delhi: Disastrous cyclone Fani has hit Odisha coast with an approximate speed of 200 km/ hour, the effects of which will also be seen in coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. Keeping in mind the disaster it could bring, so far 11 lakh people have been moved to safer locations. Also, 81 NDRF teams have been deployed. The security officials have been kept on alert. Regional administration has also been alerted and people have been advised to maintain caution. How to protect yourself?

1. Considering regional administration’s suggestion, one must keep an eye on information received via mobile phones, radio, television and newspapers.
2. Try and spread any piece of information received from the authorities and try to refrain from spreading rumors, nor believe in any.
3. Reach the helpline number provided by the authorities during distress. Keep calm and suggest nearby people to maintain calm.
4. If you reside on coastal areas, go to higher and safe areas. Leave the houses which are on coastal regions and go to safer region. Avoid coastal areas.
5. Vacate your house after orders from authorities. Don’t worry about your belongings except expensive and valuable stuff.
6. Keep eatables safely and is possible carry only dry foods with you.
7. Keep the electricity plugs off and if a situation arises where you need to vacate house, keep important medicines handy.
8. Odisha government has released regional helpline numbers. Any one struck by cyclone can call and seek information or help.

At least one million people have been evacuated in the last 24 hours from the vulnerable districts in Odisha ahead of Cyclone Fani's landfall in the state on Friday, officials said. The highest number of people -- 3 lakh -- was evacuated from Ganjam district while 1.3 lakh people have been evacuated from Puri district, said an official from the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) office. About ten thousand villages and fifty-two Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are likely to be affected by cyclonic storm Fani. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Fani, which has turned into an extremely severe cyclonic storm, laid centred about 110 km away from Puri at 4.30 a.m. It is very likely to cross between Gopalpur and Chandabali close to Puri with maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph, gusting to 200 kmph in the Friday forenoon, the IMD said.