Odisha CM Urges MLAs to Stay in Constituencies as Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ Approaches

Bhubaneswar: In light of the impending cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed all MLAs to remain in their respective constituencies to assist the district administration in rescue and relief efforts.

“In view of the possible cyclonic storm and heavy rainfall, all the MLAs must be present in their respective constituencies to coordinate with the district administration to deal with the cyclone and expedite relief and rescue operations,” Majhi emphasized in a post on ‘X’.

He urged the MLAs to engage with their constituents actively and provide essential support during this challenging time.

The State Government is taking all necessary precautions to ensure zero casualties as the storm is projected to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal on the night of October 24 or the morning of October 25.

To prepare for the impact of the cyclone, authorities have readied all cyclone shelters and established adequate temporary accommodations for evacuees. Arrangements have also been made to serve cooked meals to those sheltering from the storm. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that evacuation efforts are expected to be completed by tomorrow evening.

The latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) indicates that the depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23. The system is currently located approximately 690 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 740 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal), and 710 km south-southeast of Khepupara (Bangladesh).

The IMD has further projected that the system will continue to move west-northwestward, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 24. The storm is expected to cross the northern Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 into the morning of October 25, bringing with it wind speeds of up to 110 kmph and heavy rainfall.

Authorities and citizens are urged to remain vigilant and prepared as the situation develops.