India is founding member of Global Counterterrorism Forum
The entire 80-km stretch Paradip-Chandikhol Express Highway was cleared off all traffic so that affected people can take shelter on the highway as the remaining low-lying areas remain inundated."Our fool-proof emergency services are on standby at vantage places," PPT chairman D Jagannath Rao said, adding that over 5000 iron-ore laden trucks carrying minerals to Paradip port have been unloaded on war-footing by yesterday.Besides, the PPT authorities had requested the concerned officials not to allow any iron-ore laden truck on the route till the situation became normal.Meanwhile, Rao had visited vulnerable places near Singitali, Chaumuhani and Taladanda canal areas on the banks of turbulent Devi river, a branch of the Mahanadi, to supervise emergency preparedness.Mega industries, including Essar and IFCO are located in the area.The stategovernment had asked the PPT authorities to take stock of the situation ahead of imminent floods on the Mahanadi riversystem criss-crossing undivided Cuttack district."This is a routine process during floods. The stategovernmentissues instructions to all concerned to remain alert," Rao said.The port's security agency, along with boats and other machinery, had been deployed in those areas with adequate relief materials including parched rice, gur, candles, halogen tables, water packets, he said, adding officials and employees were also asked to remain alert to face any situation. [More]Tags:counterterrorism forumobama administration