Odisha Govt Puts 13 Districts On High Alert Ahead Of Cyclone ‘Dana’ Landfall, Minister Says Next 48 Hours Crucial

Bhubaneswar: With severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ set to hit Odisha coast by Friday morning, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday said that the next 48 hours will be crucial and the state government has issued a high alert in 13 districts.

Stressing that there is no reason for the people to panic, he said it is necessary to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions for safety and security during the cyclone.

On preparedness to tackle the impending disaster, the Minister said that the state government has issued a high alert in 13 districts and sped up evacuation of people from high-risk areas to safe places and cyclone shelters.

Over ten lakh people are being shifted from vulnerable places and 6,500 relief centres shave been set up to house them. The government has made arrangements for cooked food, shelter, and medical facilities, he said.

Moreover, NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Service teams are on standby to undertake rescue and relief operation.

Stating that the cyclone is expected to bring 20 cm of rainfall with high-velocity winds gusting up to 150 kmph, Pujari said the districts of Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapada are likely to be severely affected.

The government has advised people to move to safety as the government agencies are fully prepared to tackle the situation, he said

The administration, police, and local representatives are monitoring the situation, while people have reached shelter homes and many others are proceeding to the cyclone shelters. Pregnant women have been taken to hospitals and are safe, he said, adding that the Animal Husbandry department has arranged food for domestic animals.

Police, including women personnel, are deployed at each village and relief centre. Patrolling is ongoing. After the cyclone, the administration will take adequate steps to send them back to your homes from relief centres. Adequate compensation will be provided.