BHUBANESWAR: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal during the night of October 24 and the early hours of October 25. The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified on Monday and is forecasted to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23.
In its latest update, the IMD indicated, “The system is very likely to cross the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph and gusts up to 120 kmph.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday evening convened a high-level meeting today at Lok Seva Bhawan to assess the state’s readiness for the approaching cyclone. He emphasized the goal of achieving “Zero Casualty” and mandated the complete evacuation of residents from all identified vulnerable areas.
Following the meeting, the Chief Minister reassured the public, urging them to remain calm, as the state government is fully equipped to handle the situation. He stressed that all relevant departments, including Fire Services, ODRAF, and NDRF teams, are on high alert.
Preparedness of Cyclone Shelters and Emergency Response
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that cyclone shelters are adequately stocked with essential supplies, including food, drinking water, medicines, and baby food, and to provide proper sanitation facilities. He also underscored the necessity of quickly restoring basic services such as electricity, water, and communication post-cyclone, directing authorities to be ready for prompt action.
Furthermore, he highlighted the importance of maintaining an uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and other critical institutions during and after the cyclone.
Monitoring Price Gouging and Essential Supplies
The Chief Minister called for strict oversight of black market activities to prevent price increases of essential commodities during and after the cyclone. He also recommended coordination among districts to facilitate the smooth transportation of food and other necessities from unaffected areas.
Agriculture Department Advised to Prepare for Post-Cyclone Recovery
In his address to the Agriculture Department, the Chief Minister urged for an immediate assessment of damage following the cyclone and for the implementation of contingency plans to support farmers. He also emphasized the need to provide inputs and facilities for the upcoming Rabi crops.
Public Communication and Rumor Control
To combat misinformation, the Chief Minister instructed regular updates through media outlets and stressed the importance of authorized communication via official channels, including social media managed by the SRC, OSDMA, Revenue, Disaster Management, and other departments.
Safeguarding Vulnerable Areas and Removal of Dangerous Billboards
The Chief Minister also urged the identification of vulnerable homes and their evacuation to safer locations. He directed urban authorities, particularly in cities like Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Berhampur, to remove unsafe billboards to prevent casualties from falling structures during the cyclone.
The meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Smt. Anu Garg, and other senior officials. District Collectors participated in the meeting via video conferencing.
Tourists & pilgrims asked to leave Puri before October 23 : Revenue Minister
In light of the approaching Cyclone Dana and the need to ensure public safety, Odisha’s Revenue Minister, Suresh Pujari, has urged tourists and pilgrims from other states to leave Puri by October 23.
With several districts, including Puri, expected to be affected by the cyclone, the minister has requested all visitors and devotees currently in the pilgrimage city to return to their home states for their safety. He emphasized that evacuation is crucial due to the rapidly approaching cyclone.
Tourists are also advised against planning visits to Puri on October 24 and 25, when the cyclone is expected to make landfall.
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