Bhubaneswar: Cyclone Dana and the resulting floods have impacted 3.59 lakh people across 14 districts in Odisha, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced on Sunday. The hardest-hit districts include Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak.
According to Pujari, nearly 810,896 residents have been evacuated to 6,210 cyclone relief centers, ensuring a safe shelter for affected individuals, with no fatalities reported so far. “As of 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, evacuated people were being sheltered in 1,178 cyclone relief centers, where they are provided with cooked meals and other essential supplies,” the minister stated. To aid those who lost their homes, the state government has also begun distributing polythene sheets.
Cyclone Dana struck early on Friday, causing widespread damage across 1,671 gram panchayats in 108 blocks. Preliminary assessments indicate that about 5,840 houses have been partially or fully damaged by the cyclone and ensuing floods, prompting immediate government response.
Beyond relief, the state government is now focusing on a long-term housing solution for vulnerable communities. “Whenever there is a disaster, people lose their houses and get compensation,” Pujari said. “This time, we aim to provide a permanent solution by gradually offering pucca (concrete) houses in cyclone- and flood-prone areas.” The government also plans to conduct a detailed survey of kutcha (temporary) houses in these regions to support the new initiative.
The state government’s proactive approach in sheltering displaced individuals, combined with a strategic focus on long-term resilience, reflects its commitment to providing security and stability for Odisha’s disaster-affected residents.
