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Odisha Braces for Cyclone Dana
Odisha Gears Up for Cyclone Dana
State Prepares for Potential Cyclone
Bhubaneswar, Odisha – The state of Odisha is gearing up for a possible cyclonic storm, named ‘Dana’, expected to form off the coast on October 23. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deoranjan Kumar Singh has assured the public that the state is well-prepared to face any challenges brought by the potential storm. After a review meeting led by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Singh addressed the media, emphasizing the administration’s readiness and commitment to ensuring ‘Zero Casualty’. He urged citizens to remain calm and alert as there is ample time to prepare before the cyclone develops.
Coordination with Central Government and Disaster Forces
The Odisha state government is in close coordination with the Central government to ensure necessary assistance during the cyclone event. Teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), Fire services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are prepared for deployment in areas that could be heavily impacted by Cyclone Dana. Singh noted that these teams would be positioned in vulnerable regions before the storm hits to mitigate risks.
District-Level Preparations and Planning
The district collectors have been instructed to hold meetings on Monday to discuss their local needs and plan for the required ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire services units. These meetings will be attended by Superintendents of Police and line department officers. By Tuesday, these disaster response units will be stationed in identified high-risk areas at the block level. If needed, additional NDRF units will be requested from the center and neighboring states to bolster Odisha’s preparedness.
Advisory for Fishermen and Coastal Residents
Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the Odisha Coast and the North Bay of Bengal from October 21 to 26, 2024, due to the approaching Cyclone Dana. Those already at sea are being urged to return to shore immediately. Control rooms in districts and related departments will operate on a 24×7 basis to monitor the situation and respond quickly to any emerging challenges.
Cyclone Shelters and Evacuation Plans
The state administration has instructed district collectors to ensure the readiness of cyclone shelters in their respective areas. Arrangements for drinking water and power have been prioritized. Additionally, residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas will be relocated to the nearest cyclone shelters to ensure their safety during Cyclone Dana.
Focus on Red, Orange, and Yellow Warning Zones
Districts categorized under red, orange, and yellow warnings are on high alert to deal with the potential impacts of Cyclone Dana, such as waterlogging and landslides. Continuous surveillance of low-lying areas and dewatering efforts in urban regions are underway. The SRC’s office has advised residents to avoid movement in affected zones and to stay in safe locations until the storm passes.
Special Measures for Pregnant Women
A significant aspect of the state’s preparation involves the safety of pregnant women. Collectors have been directed to relocate women whose Estimated Date of Delivery (EDD) falls within the next two weeks to the nearest hospitals. This precaution aims to ensure their well-being during the expected cyclone.
Government Staff Leaves Cancelled
To maintain a state of readiness, SRC Singh announced the cancellation of all leaves for state government employees. They are required to stay at their respective duty stations and assist in the preparation and response efforts for Cyclone Dana.
Curbing Black Marketing of Essential Commodities
In anticipation of the cyclone, State Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra issued a stern warning against black marketing and hoarding of essential goods. Strict actions will be taken against individuals attempting to exploit the situation by inflating prices of necessary items during this period.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only, based on reports and statements from Odisha state officials. It is not intended to create panic but to keep residents informed about Cyclone Dana preparedness measures. Readers are advised to follow official government updates and advisories for accurate and current information.
