Odisha CM Conducts Damage Assessment Post-Cyclone Dana, Calls for Swift Relief Measures

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened a high-level review meeting on Sunday at the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office to evaluate the aftermath of Cyclone Dana, directing officials to submit a comprehensive damage assessment report by November 2. The report, he said, will expedite the delivery of assistance to affected residents.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister surveyed the cyclone-impacted areas by helicopter and reviewed ongoing restoration work in the evening. He reported that more than 8 lakh residents were initially relocated to 6,210 shelters, with most returning to their homes. “Currently, only 30,000 people remain in 470 shelters, mostly in waterlogged gram panchayats,” he added.

In terms of power restoration, Majhi stated that 98% of affected electricity consumers now have power, with 22,32,000 of the 22,84,000 impacted consumers reconnected. He noted that while some gram panchayats in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore remain submerged, efforts are underway to restore power once the water recedes. Over 7,000 personnel are engaged in these efforts, with local communities cooperating to expedite the process.

To accelerate cleanup operations in cyclone-hit municipalities, additional workers from unaffected areas have been deployed. Addressing agricultural damages, Majhi shared preliminary data indicating that around 2,21,800 acres of farmland across 880 gram panchayats have been affected. He assured that assistance will follow once the detailed assessment is complete.

The Health Department has deployed 335 medical teams, ensuring care for 4,871 pregnant women and facilitating the safe birth of 2,529 babies during the cyclone.

“The threat of flooding has subsided,” Majhi confirmed, citing receding water levels in the Budhabalang River. The Fire Services department received around 6,000 calls for assistance due to fallen trees, all of which were promptly attended to by the fire brigade.

Majhi expressed his gratitude to the Union Government for its support during the cyclone, acknowledging the NDRF teams deployed for rescue operations. “I extend my thanks to the Hon’ble Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister,” he stated, appreciating their contributions to the relief efforts.

In closing, Majhi extended special thanks to the district collectors and government employees in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj for their dedication. The review meeting was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, and other senior officials.