Cyclone Dana: Odisha Govt to Evacuate 10 Lakh People, Aims for Zero Casualty

Bhubaneswar: As Cyclone ‘Dana’ intensifies into a severe cyclonic storm, the Odisha government has rolled out a comprehensive roadmap to ensure zero casualties. The government plans to evacuate 10 lakh people to safer locations ahead of the storm’s expected landfall. The evacuation process is already underway in several districts and is set to be completed by tomorrow evening, according to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.

To bolster the state’s preparedness, five National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are en route to Odisha from Bhatinda, Punjab, and are expected to arrive tonight. Currently, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 178 fire brigade teams, and 20 NDRF teams have been deployed across 14 districts projected to be impacted by Cyclone ‘Dana.’

The government has placed districts including Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khurda, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj on high alert. District administrations have been instructed to take all necessary measures to mitigate the storm’s effects.

Key Measures Taken to Handle Cyclone ‘Dana’:

1. Evacuation and Shelter: Vulnerable populations and slums are being identified, with large-scale evacuations underway. Over 10 lakh people will be moved to multipurpose storm shelters and safe buildings. These shelters are equipped with food, drinking water, lighting, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.
2. Deployment of Resources:
   • 51 ODRAF teams, 178 fire service teams (40 of which are in sensitive areas), and 20 NDRF teams (with 19 active and 1 on reserve) have been mobilized.
   • Five NDRF teams from Bhatinda are scheduled to arrive in Bhubaneswar by 10 PM tonight.
3. Infrastructure and Utilities Preparedness:
   • Engineering departments have been instructed to clear roads and restore traffic post-cyclone.
   • More than 700,000 electrical gangmen are prepared to restore electricity connections after the storm.
   • Over 5,000 polythene packets are in stock for distribution to affected families.
4. Healthcare and Safety:
   • Over 8,000 pregnant women have been identified and are being transferred to health centers for safe deliveries during the storm.
   • All fishing boats have been safely brought ashore, and no boats will be allowed to re-enter the sea until October 26.
5. Education and Public Safety: Schools, colleges, universities, and Anganwadi centers in 14 districts will remain closed from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure. Hoardings, especially in coastal districts, have been ordered to be removed to prevent accidents during high winds.
6. Port and Air Services: Gopalpur, Paradip, and Dhamra port authorities have issued precautionary advisories. Additionally, the state has requested a helicopter from the Ministry of Home Affairs for relief and rescue operations.

Government’s Ongoing Preparations: On October 20, Odisha Chief Secretary held a meeting with district collectors and department secretaries, instructing them to ensure preemptive actions in energy, health, fisheries, agriculture, food supply, and other essential sectors. Senior officers have also been deployed in high-alert districts to oversee rescue operations and ensure coordination between government bodies.

With these extensive measures in place, the Odisha government is taking all necessary precautions to mitigate the impact of Cyclone ‘Dana,’ aiming to protect lives and provide timely support to affected populations.