Cyclone Dana: Odisha Has Best Disaster Management Policy & Our Priority On Quick Power Restoration: Deputy CM

Bhubaneswar: With cyclone ‘Dana” likely to hit Odisha, the state government is leaving no stone unturned to deal with the situation and minimise the impact of the storm.

Asserting that the Odisha government has the best disaster management policy, Deputy Chief Minister K V Singh Deo told reporters on Monday that all agencies are fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.

The Energy department is fully prepared to face the situation in view of the impending cyclonic storm, he said, adding that the priority before the government is to ensure early restoration of electricity supply in affected areas.

The Deputy CM said that water supply, power distribution and communication system normally get severely affected under the impact of any cyclonic storm. “Therefore, our priority is to ensure quick restoration of power supply,” he said.

The focus on all sub-stations and grid systems, particularly in coastal districts which are likely to be affected by the cyclone, Singh Deo said.

Referring to agriculture sector, the Deputy CM said the government is taking stock of the situation and reviewing the preparedness of different agencies across the state.

Since many parts of the state are likely to be lashed by heavy to extremely heavy rain accompanied by high-velocity wind, standing crops may be affected, he said, adding that precautionary measures are being taken to prevent extensive damage. Similarly, farmers have been advised to shift paddy to safe locations.

Meanwhile, the district administration of Cuttack is gearing up to deal with the cyclone. As many as five NDRF & ODRAF teams will be deployed in Banki, Athagarh & Cuttack town, said Collector district Collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde.

A close watch is maintained on markets to prevent hoarding or overcharging of essential commodities, he said, adding that the administration is fully prepared to deal with any eventuality.