Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that Cyclonic Storm Dana will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the early morning of October 24. It is expected to make landfall between the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts, between Puri and Sagar Island, close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara in Odisha.
In response to the impending cyclone, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited the office of the Special Relief Commissioner today to assess the state’s preparedness. He urged the public to stay calm and vigilant, assuring them that the government is fully prepared to manage the situation.
“Do not panic; stay safe and cautious. The government is well-prepared to handle the situation, and you are in safe hands,” the Chief Minister emphasised. Following the review meeting, the Chief Minister reassured citizens that all government departments are on high alert. He called for continued vigilance until the cyclone passes and assured that the government would monitor the situation closely.
To ensure an effective response, the government has assigned specific responsibilities to ministers, who are already visiting districts expected to be affected. Additionally, experienced officers have been deployed to manage relief efforts.
In the most vulnerable districts, large-scale evacuations are underway. The Chief Minister reported that 30% of residents from high-risk areas have already been relocated to cyclone shelters. By 11 AM tomorrow, 90% of evacuations are expected to be completed. Those staying in shelters will have access to dry food, cooked meals, and other essential supplies.
The districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Puri are predicted to bear the brunt of the storm. However, the Chief Minister warned that if the cyclone’s path shifts, other districts may also be affected, and the government is fully prepared for such a scenario.
Accompanying the Chief Minister during the review were Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari, along with senior officials, including the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, and the Director General of Police. District Collectors from the affected areas provided updates on their preparedness via video conferencing.
During his visit, the Chief Minister also inspected the Emergency Control Room, reviewing satellite data and communication systems to ensure rapid coordination during the cyclone. IMD Updates: Cyclone Landfall Likely on October 24-25.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra announced that the cyclone is expected to make landfall between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
Three Odisha Districts Likely to Be Worst Hit by Cyclone Dana: Bhubaneswar IMD.
As Cyclonic Storm Dana approaches the Odisha coast, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has identified Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak as the three districts likely to be most affected.
According to the IMD’s regional center in Bhubaneswar, these districts are expected to experience maximum wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph during the cyclone’s landfall. Additionally, Mayurbhanj district may see wind speeds of 80-90 kmph, while Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Jajpur districts are forecast to experience wind speeds of 60-80 kmph on October 24-25. Other districts, including Puri, Khordha, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar, are expected to witness wind speeds of 60-70 kmph, while Sundargarh may experience speeds of 50-60 kmph. Ganjam, Nayagarh, Angul, Deogarh, and Sambalpur districts are predicted to face wind speeds of 40-50 kmph.
Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD’s Bhubaneswar regional center, also confirmed that port warnings have been issued across the state. Great Danger Signal Number 10 has been hoisted at Paradip, Dhamra, and Puri ports, while Great Danger Signal Number 8 has been raised at Gopalpur port.
Several parts of Odisha are already experiencing heavy rainfall, which is expected to continue overnight. Many areas are likely to see heavy to very heavy rainfall as the cyclone moves closer to the coast.
OPSC Postpones Civil Services Preliminary Exam
In light of Cyclone Dana, the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has postponed the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Preliminary Examination 2023, which was scheduled for October 27. A notice from OPSC stated, “In view of the impending cyclonic storm ‘Dana’, the OCS Preliminary Examination-2023, pursuant to Advt. No. 20 of 2023-24, scheduled for 27.10.2024, is hereby postponed.” The new date will be announced after seven days.
The state remains on high alert as Cyclone Dana approaches, with authorities taking all necessary precautions to safeguard the public and manage the storm’s impact.
