BHUBANEWAR: Cyclone ‘DANA’ has significantly affected Odisha, with 2,163 villages across 64 blocks being impacted. Additionally, 64 wards in 13 urban local bodies (ULBs) and approximately 454,800 residents are forecasted to be affected by the cyclone, as announced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari.
As of this evening, nearly 417,626 people have been evacuated to safe shelters, where they are receiving cooked meals. Authorities have opened 7,824 shelters, with 5,209 currently operational to accommodate the displaced individuals.
At a press briefing, Minister Pujari confirmed that 862 quintals of chuda (flattened rice) and 97 quintals of gura (jaggery) are being distributed as part of the relief efforts. The cyclone has also impacted livestock, with over 500 animals reported as affected due to the incessant rainfall.
To ensure public health and safety, 213 medical teams and 120 veterinary teams have been deployed across the state. Special measures are in place for pregnant women, with approximately 3,654 women being relocated to nearby healthcare facilities and maternity homes (MAA Gruha).
In total, 385 rapid response teams have been mobilized, including 19 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 51 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), 95 teams from the Odisha Fire and Disaster Response (OFDC), and 220 fire service teams. Additionally, 256 teams from the Rural Development Department have been assigned to clear and restore roads.
Minister Pujari emphasised the urgency of the situation as Cyclone ‘DANA’ is currently located 150 kilometers from Paradeep and is expected to make landfall between Bhitarakanika and Dhamara late tonight, October 24. The cyclone is currently moving at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour and is projected to affect 11 districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Cuttack, and Dhenkanal.
As the situation develops, authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols to mitigate the impact of Cyclone ‘DANA’.
PM Narendra Modi , Home Minister Amit Shah Review Odisha’s Preparedness With CM Majhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi this evening to discuss the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Dana.
According to an official press release, during the call, the Chief Minister provided a comprehensive update on the ongoing evacuation efforts. He also detailed the deployment of security forces, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), to ensure public safety and security.
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After the discussion, the Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with Odisha’s readiness to manage the cyclone.
Additionally, Union Home Minister Amit Shah communicated with the Chief Minister, offering full assistance and cooperation from the central government.
Around 40 Flight Services At BPIA Affected Due To Cyclone Dana
Flight operations at Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) have been suspended as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Dana, which is set to make landfall along the Odisha coast at midnight on October 24.
According to BPIA officials, around 40 flights, including international services, have been suspended from 5 PM on October 24 until 9 AM on October 25. This decision was taken following an emergency meeting with key stakeholders responsible for flight operations.
Airport Director Prasanna Pradhan stated, “As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast, we expect wind speeds of 35 to 40 knots in Bhubaneswar, with the possibility of higher speeds. Such conditions are unsafe for flight operations. Hence, we decided to suspend flights from 5 PM today until 9 AM tomorrow.”
Pradhan added that the situation would be reassessed on Friday morning, with a decision to either resume or extend the suspension based on prevailing weather conditions. “The safety of passengers is our top priority,” he emphasized, noting that both domestic and international flights were affected by the suspension.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Airports Authority of India’s headquarters in New Delhi are closely monitoring the situation, with all pre-cyclone technical measures being implemented at BPIA as per instructions from higher authorities.
In addition to flight disruptions, the East Coast Railway has also taken precautionary steps by cancelling or rescheduling approximately 200 trains to ensure passenger safety during the severe cyclone.
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