Cyclone Dana has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is expected to make landfall early Friday morning between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in northern Odisha. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted wind speeds of up to 120 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall and tidal surges reaching up to 2 meters.
Preparations and Evacuations
In preparation for the cyclone, the Odisha government has initiated large-scale evacuations, relocating around 300,000 people from vulnerable coastal areas to relief camps. The state is currently on high alert, deploying 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, and 220 fire service teams to support rescue and relief efforts.
Flight operations at both Biju Patnaik International Airport and Kolkata airport have been suspended, and schools in coastal districts have closed their doors. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has stressed a zero-casualty target, emphasizing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens.
Pre-Cyclone Impact and Community Response
As Cyclone Dana approaches, coastal communities have already started to feel its effects. High tides have breached the shore in some areas, uprooting large trees and damaging electricity poles. Additionally, some boats capsized near Dhamra due to the storm’s impact. Heavy rainfall has been reported in coastal regions since Thursday morning, further heightening concerns.
The state government has issued a red alert for seven districts, including Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri. A high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister reviewed preparedness measures, and officials have been instructed to prioritize zero casualties.
Local residents in Kendrapada have been proactive, working tirelessly to prevent high tides from flooding their villages by placing sandbags along the coast. Meanwhile, the state government is providing regular updates on social media every three hours to keep the public informed. The Chief Minister has encouraged people to evacuate to cyclone shelters and to take all necessary precautions for their safety.
Government Mobilization and Public Safety
The government has mobilized 182 fire and rescue teams across 14 districts that are expected to be most affected by the cyclone. Former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik reassured the public, advising them not to panic but to remain cautious and take appropriate safety measures.
As Cyclone Dana nears the Odisha coast, threatening to impact nearly half the state’s population, officials and residents alike are bracing for potential disaster while hoping for the best outcome.
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