Relief efforts on war footing as Odisha braces for double whammy of Covid-19 and Cyclone Yaas

Severe cyclonic storm Yaas is nearing the coast of Odisha. Evacuations are underway and the state is aiming for 'zero casualty.'

As north Odisha prepares for the landfall of Cyclone Yaas in the next 24 hours, the state is bracing for the worst. Though Odisha has a proven record against cyclones with near zero casualties in the recent past, this year, it is already reeling under the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. With winds gusting at 185 kmph and heavy rainfall, over one-and-a-half lakh people have been evacuated from coastal areas. The next 24-48 hours will be critical more so in the Covid wards where patients are fighting a battle of life and death.