Baripada: With severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ set to hit the Odisha coast by October 25, the authorities of Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) in Mayurbhanj district on Tuesday announced that the sanctuary will remain closed for visitors for three days.
As per the decision of the STR authorities, tourists and visitors will not be allowed to enter the tiger reserve from October 23 to 25 in view of the impending cyclone ‘Dana’.
There will be no entry or exit from the tiger reserve for the vehicles of any visitor and tourist during the three days, according to STR Director.
It was further stated that the tiger reserve will be reopened only after thorough assessment of the situation after the cyclone.
As per the forecast made by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall between near Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada district and Dhamra in Bhadrak.
The cyclonic storm is likely to hit the coast during the night of October 24 or morning of October 25.
The cyclone is likely to trigger heavy to extremely heavy rain accompanied by high-velocity wind of 100 to 110 kmph. Northern Odisha districts are likely to be affected severely by the cyclonic storm.