Cyclone ‘Dana’: Odisha CM Reviews Preparedness, Directs To Ensure Zero Casualty

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday directed the state government officials to ensure 100% evacuation of people from the areas likely to be affected by cyclone ‘Dana’ to achieve zero casualty.

Reviewing the preparedness for the cyclone at a high-level meeting in Bhubaneswar, Majhi directed the officials to stock food, drinking water and medicines in cyclone shelters in adequate quantity and ensure hygienic condition in the area.

He also told them to restore road communication, telecommunication and electricity supply in the areas which would be affected by the cyclone. Hospitals and other institutions providing necessary services should be ensured uninterrupted power supply during the cyclone, he added.

Steps should be taken to prevent hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities including groceries, vegetables and cattle feed, he said. Advising the Agriculture department to make immediate assessment of the crops damaged by cyclone, he told the officials to activate contingency plan soon after the cyclone.

The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) should update the media regularly about the cyclone so that rumour and misinformation are not spread by unscrupulous elements. Besides, SRC, OSDMA and I&PR, Revenue and Disaster Management, Agriculture and Home departments should regularly post the updates in their social media handles for the information of the people, Majhi said.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the chief minister assured that the government was fully prepared to face the severe cyclone and there was nothing to worry.

“Our priority is to ensure zero casualty. The district administrations have been instructed to take necessary steps in this regard. Apart from Fire Brigades, ODRAF and NDRAF personnel have been deputed for rescue and rehabilitation measures. Besides, the cyclone shelters will be equipped with all facilities and adequate stock of essential goods,” he said.