Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that the assessment of damage caused by Cyclone Dana to crops and houses is expected to be finalized within seven days. Field staff are set to begin their assessments on Sunday, with officials from the revenue, agriculture, and cooperative departments conducting on-site inspections to evaluate the extent of the damage.
Minister Pujari addressed the media, stating, “Cyclone Dana’s landfall has significantly affected various districts in Odisha, leading to strong winds and heavy rainfall that caused widespread disruption. Our teams are actively assessing the impact, and relief efforts are already underway to provide aid to those affected. We anticipate that the assessment will be completed within a week.”
Pujari also confirmed that he will conduct a field visit on Saturday to review the situation firsthand. He highlighted the swift response measures taken since the cyclone’s landfall, noting that roads have been cleared within four hours and there have been no complaints regarding telecommunications. While some areas experienced power disruptions due to downed wires, he assured that electricity would be restored by sunset.
In addition, over 600,000 people have been evacuated from vulnerable areas. Those still stranded will receive necessary assistance, and relief centers have been established to provide food and shelter. The Minister encouraged anyone wishing to return home to inform the relief centers for further support.