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As Odisha gears up to face the impending Cyclone 'Dana', authorities have put in place an extensive evacuation strategy to safeguard approximately 10 lakh residents spread across 14 vulnerable districts. 8647 pregnant women shifted to hospitals and 6000 cyclone shelters are ready with food, medicine and other relief kits.
This proactive measure targets relocating communities from high-risk zones to ensure their safety against the cyclone's predicted landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the landfall to commence on the night of October 24, extending into the morning of October 25, with wind speeds potentially reaching 120 kmph.
The IMD's warning highlights the cyclone's northwestward movement at a speed of 13 kmph, positioned about 490 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha. This has led to the mobilization of 288 rescue teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and Fire Services, with additional reinforcements requested. The focus is on areas expected to face the brunt of Cyclone 'Dana', including coastal regions braced for high winds and inland districts anticipating severe rainfall. The government's preparedness extends to identifying over 3,000 vulnerable sites, primarily along the coastal belt, where urgent evacuation efforts are underway to move 10,60,336 individuals to safety.
Massive Evacuation Efforts Underway
The designated 14 districts include Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj, all of which face imminent threats from the cyclone. Suresh Pujari, the state revenue and disaster management minister, emphasized the extensive preparations, stating, "The state has identified over 3,000 vulnerable locations (villages) across 14 districts, primarily along the coastal belt, and started evacuation procedures. Approximately 10,60,336 people are likely to be evacuated before Cyclone Dana makes landfall." These areas are bracing for potentially devastating effects, including heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and high-velocity winds.
To support the displaced, the state is setting up around 6,000 relief camps. These camps will provide evacuees with essentials such as cooked meals, milk for children, medical services, safe drinking water, and security measures for women. This comprehensive support system underscores the state's commitment to minimizing the cyclone's impact on its residents' well-being.
Risk of Severe Weather Conditions
The IMD's forecast paints a grim picture of the weather conditions accompanying Cyclone 'Dana'. It predicts light to moderate rainfall in most places, with heavy downpours (7-11 cm) expected in isolated areas over Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Khordha starting from the evening of October 23. The following two days, October 24 and 25, are likely to witness heavy to very heavy rainfall at several locations, and some areas may experience extremely heavy rainfall (over 21 cm) in districts including Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur.
The cyclone's approach has also prompted a ban on all marine activities in the Bay of Bengal until the storm passes, with fishermen advised to return to the coast by Tuesday evening, as confirmed by Minister Pujari. This precautionary measure aims to prevent any maritime accidents and ensure the safety of the fishing community during the cyclone.
As Cyclone 'Dana' looms closer, the state of Odisha remains on high alert. The authorities' swift action to evacuate millions and set up relief camps is a testament to their dedication to safeguarding the population. With heavy rainfall and strong winds on the horizon, the focus is on weathering the storm with minimal damage and ensuring the well-being of all affected residents.
