Wind has started picking up speed in Balasore
BHUBANESWAR: As the state government evacuates people from coastal districts ahead of the impending cyclone, a large number of them were reluctant on Tuesday to leave their homes for fear of catching Covid-19. Villagers in coastal districts of Balasore and Bhadrak said they would go to the cyclone shelters only if they feel their lives could be in danger.
“Before the cyclone we were confined to our homes due to the lockdown to check the spread of Covid-19. But with the cyclone approaching, now everyone will be in the cyclone shelters where there will be a high chance of getting infected. It is very difficult to ensure social distancing and use of masks in the shelters. So, we will move to a safer place only when we feel threat to our lives,” said Kanhu Charan Swain, a resident of Kalamatia village in Balasore district. Many of the villagers are waiting for the wind speed to increase after which they will go to the cyclone shelter.