Paradip, Oct. 28: With heartbreaking memories of the 1999 super cyclone etched in their minds, the people of the seaside villages of Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur district are in no mood take chances when cyclone Kyant is expected to hit the Odisha coast tomorrow.

Disaster preparedness has permeated deep into the psyche of the people living along the coast since the super cyclone 17 years ago claimed 12,000 human lives.

Erasama block, which was the worst-hit area in the state in 1999, had alone accounted for more than 6,000 deaths.

The local people became alert as soon as the regional meteorological department made a forecast of cyclone Kyant here last week.

Though the cyclone has weakened over the sea and has not yet made a landfall, residents of vulnerable coastal pockets have already moved to safety.

As soon as the cyclone warning was sounded, the toll-free telephone helpline of the district emergency office was flooded with queries with callers inquiring whether they should start shifting to safer places or not.

"This sort of awareness is a refreshing change in the local people's mindset," said Jagatsinghpur collector Yamini Sarangi.

The local people had paid a heavy price for ignoring the 1999 super cyclone warning. However, people living in vulnerable pockets have grown strikingly vigilant since then.

"The preparedness to face the calamity has evolved from the grassroots level. Improved weather warning system and periodic awareness drive by government agencies have also invigorated the disaster control mechanism," Sarangi said.

"More than the government agencies, we should first wake up to ensure our safety. The 1999 super cyclone has taught us not to ignore any weather-related warning. Whenever there is forecast of depression and stormy weather, we are reminded of horrifying cyclonic devastation.

We keep a close watch on weather updates and instructions issued from the government agencies," said Hiranya Rout from Ambiki village, which was one areas worst hit by the super cyclone.

"We know very well how furious the sea and cyclone can become. We have experienced nature's wrath in the past. To ensure our safety, we have already taken up a mangrove regeneration programme," said 45-year-old Gagan Behari Pradhan of Suniti village in Kendrapara district.