Rayagada (Odisha): The Odisha government suspended the Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) of Rayagada, Siva Prasad Padhi, for not joining duty despite government's order cancelling holidays of all Health Department employees in view of the cyclonic storm Fani that hit the state Friday morning.
The state government had earlier cancelled the leaves of all the doctors and employees in the Health Department till May 15. Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) were directed to monitor the situation in hospitals.
The government had stated that strict action would be taken against senior officials who do not report for duty during the period of emergency.
Following Padhi's suspension, Rayagada District Headquarters Hospital Superintendent has been given the additional duty of CDMO.
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"Dr Shakti Baral Mohanty, DMO-cum-Superintendent, DHH, Rayagada is kept in charge of CDM and PHO, Rayagada in addition to his own duty till joining of a regular CDM and PHO or until further orders, whichever is earlier," a statement issued by the state Health Department on Thursday read.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a storm surge of about 1.5-meter height which may inundate low lying coastal areas of Ganjam, Khurda, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha at the time of landfall.
As per the information provided by the government, 10,000 villages and 52 towns located in 9 districts in Odisha are likely to be affected. The state administration has already evacuated 11 lakh people to safety and advised the public to remain indoors. Around 900 cyclone shelters have been made ready to house the evacuees.
Meanwhile, the government has informed that the power supply in the state will be disconnected as the wind speed reaches 50 km/hr as a precautionary measure. Once the wind speed reduces, power supply shall be restored in a phased manner after the necessary checking of electrical installations.
"Around 1,000 people have been evacuated. Many people aren't willing to come as they are scared that their belongings will be stolen. But we'll evacuate them at any cost. We want zero casualties, " said Jayanti, a Red Cross member volunteering at a relief camp in Puri.
As per the IMD, Cyclone Fani is likely to cross the Odisha coast between Gopalpur and Chandbali, south of Puri around forenoon on Friday with a maximum sustained wind speed of 170-180 kmph gusting to 200 kmph. Landfall process is very likely to continue till noon, it added.
