Evacuations and Safety Measures
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported that over 300,000 people have been evacuated to safer locations by Wednesday evening, marking significant progress towards the target of relocating 1 million individuals. The cyclone is currently positioned approximately 460 km southeast of Paradip and is expected to impact several districts, including Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri.Bhubaneshwar airport authorities have suspended flight operations for 17 hours, from October 24 to 9 AM on October 25, leading to the cancellation or delay of around 45 flights. In addition, approximately 182 fire and rescue teams have been deployed across the 14 districts most likely to be affected by Cyclone Dana.
Government and Community Preparedness
In a statement aimed at reassuring residents, former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged people not to panic but to take necessary precautions. He emphasized that Odisha has faced numerous cyclones in the past and has always shown resilience.Chief Minister Majhi reiterated the seriousness with which the state government is treating Cyclone Dana. He stated that arrangements are in place for affected districts and that efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of residents.
Current Conditions and Forecast
As of now, parts of Odisha, particularly in Bhadrak’s Dhamra area, have begun experiencing strong winds and rainfall as the cyclone’s outer bands make their presence felt. The IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall across multiple districts, with expectations of significant impacts as the storm makes landfall.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Dana nears landfall, authorities are taking every precaution to ensure public safety through evacuations and emergency preparations. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and adhere to safety guidelines during this critical time.
