Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Dana intensifying over the Bay of Bengal and heading toward Odisha's coast, the state government has issued a stern advisory urging all non-resident tourists and pilgrims in Puri to evacuate immediately for their safety. The Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, has called for the immediate departure of tourists by October 23, ahead of the storm’s potential landfall.
"The exact path of the cyclone remains uncertain, but we cannot risk being unprepared. Tourists in Puri must leave the city or move to safer locations. The Odisha government is implementing all necessary precautions to ensure public safety,” said Minister Pujari.
Tourists Advised to Leave Puri, Precautionary Steps in Place
Odisha, which has historically been vulnerable to severe cyclonic activity, is preparing extensively for the impact of Cyclone Dana. The coastal district of Puri, known for its temples and large influx of pilgrims, could face severe consequences if the cyclone hits. Minister Pujari noted that the district administration has been instructed to halt further arrivals of tourists until the storm threat subsides.
"The safety of both residents and tourists is our top priority. ODRAF teams have already been deployed to the most vulnerable districts. Tourists and residents alike should follow government advisories closely to avoid any casualties,” added Pujari.
Odisha Gears Up: ODRAF and NDRF Teams on High Alert
To mitigate the risks posed by Cyclone Dana, the Odisha government has stationed Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units in several districts expected to be hit by the cyclone. These teams will operate from district headquarters and key points across the region, ready to initiate search, rescue, and relief efforts if the situation worsens.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) will also play a crucial role in disaster management, with multiple teams to be deployed across the state’s sensitive areas. The central government, in coordination with the state, has sanctioned additional NDRF teams and helicopters, which are expected to arrive by October 23. These resources will help bolster local efforts in minimizing damage and ensuring a swift response in affected areas.
School Closures and Postponement of Major Events
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In light of the impending cyclone, the Odisha government has decided to shut down all schools in the most vulnerable districts from October 23 to October 25. The decision impacts the coastal and northern districts, where heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and high winds are anticipated.
Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to Odisha between October 23 and 25 has been postponed as a safety precaution. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclone could make landfall along northern Odisha, though an exact location has not yet been determined.
Anticipated Impact: Heavy Rainfall and Flood Risk
Weather experts have forecast that Cyclone Dana will bring widespread heavy rains and strong winds to Odisha. According to the IMD, coastal and northern regions will experience torrential downpours, with the districts of Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Jajpur, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur expected to bear the brunt of the storm. Rainfall could reach levels exceeding 20 cm in some areas, heightening the risk of flash floods and landslides.
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The government has warned that rivers and water bodies could swell, leading to hazardous conditions for residents living in low-lying areas. The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, held a critical review meeting on Monday to assess the state's preparedness.
“We are fully equipped to handle the cyclone. Our primary focus is on ensuring zero casualties. We will conduct 100% evacuations from vulnerable areas to safeguard the public. I urge everyone to remain calm and follow government advisories,” said CM Majhi after the meeting.
Central Government Involvement and Preparedness Measures
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), led by Union Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan, convened a special meeting to discuss Cyclone Dana's potential impact. Representatives from Odisha and West Bengal’s disaster management departments were in attendance. In preparation, the central government has mobilized 14 NDRF teams for West Bengal and 11 for Odisha.
Rescue and relief efforts will be coordinated between NDRF, ODRAF, the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, with additional support from aircraft and ships. Ports such as Paradip and Haldia have been receiving regular alerts to brace for the cyclone’s possible arrival.
Odisha’s Cyclone Shelters and Emergency Services on Standby
The state government has ensured that over 800 multipurpose cyclone shelters across the vulnerable districts are stocked with essential supplies such as food, water, electricity, and medical facilities. Evacuation routes have been prepared to help relocate people from low-lying and high-risk areas.
Emergency response teams specializing in power and telecommunications have been activated to ensure the swift restoration of services, should they be disrupted by the cyclone.
The Odisha government has also announced special arrangements to provide shelter for the habisyalis (elderly pilgrims) currently in Puri, ensuring their safety during the cyclone's passage. The state is taking all precautions necessary to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
Conclusion
Cyclone Dana poses a significant threat to Odisha's coastal regions, especially Puri, and the state government is urging all non-residents to evacuate for their safety. With both state and central agencies on high alert, robust disaster preparedness measures are being implemented to mitigate the cyclone’s impact.
Residents are advised to stay informed through government channels and follow all safety advisories as the state braces for the storm. The Odisha government is aiming for zero casualties and is taking every precaution to minimize risks and ensure the safety of its citizens.