Bhubaneswar: In a massive operation to protect citizens from Cyclone Dana, the Odisha government successfully evacuated 8 lakh people to safe shelters before the storm made landfall, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced today. Despite the challenges of the severe weather, both residents and the state infrastructure weathered the storm with resilience.
The cyclone also witnessed an unusual milestone, with 2,200 newborns delivered during the storm, including 18 sets of twins. Chief Minister Majhi confirmed that all mothers and infants are safe and expressed gratitude for the teamwork that safeguarded lives throughout the crisis.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana weakened into a deep depression, yet heavy rains lingered, particularly in some districts, causing minor delays in rescue and restoration operations. Fallen trees initially blocked several roads, but these were cleared by today afternoon, easing movement across the affected areas.
Electricity was another challenge, with 22.43 lakh customers initially facing outages due to the storm. Power restoration teams have successfully restored service to approximately 14.8 million users, with full restoration expected by tomorrow. In Bhadrak district, electricity was fully reinstated by 9 PM last night.
Agriculture has taken a hit, with preliminary estimates showing around 1.75 lakh acres of farmland impacted by the cyclone. The government will initiate aid distribution following detailed assessments to gauge the extent of damage accurately. Ground surveys are already in progress to assess housing damages, with plans to provide new housing or aid to those whose homes were destroyed or severely damaged.
While most evacuees have safely returned home, those still in shelters will continue receiving cooked meals for the next seven days. CM Majhi instructed officials to ensure that all affected individuals are treated with compassion and to prioritize relief distribution.
The response to Cyclone Dana saw the deployment of 158 police platoons across affected regions, offering security and assistance in the worst-hit areas. CM Majhi commended the inter-departmental collaboration that played a key role in the efficient handling of the storm’s impact, underscoring the commitment to swift recovery and support for all residents in need.