Bhubaneswar: As Cyclone Dana approaches the Odisha coast, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Deoranjan Kumar Singh on Tuesday directed the Collectors of 14 districts to implement urgent preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall and strong winds expected from the severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone is projected to cross the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, with wind speeds reaching 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
The SRC’s letter to the district Collectors of Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, and Keonjhar outlined key steps to safeguard residents:
- Administrative Machinery on High Alert: All units are to be fully prepared and kept on high alert to respond swiftly to any developments.
- Evacuation of Vulnerable Residents: Residents living in kutcha houses, low-lying, and vulnerable areas are to be evacuated to safe cyclone shelters.
- Special Care for Vulnerable Groups: Priority is given to evacuating the elderly, physically challenged, sick, women, and children.
- Food and Shelter Arrangements: Evacuees will be provided with dry food, free kitchen services, and baby food.
- Essential Services at Shelters: Shelters will be equipped with safe drinking water, lighting, and sanitation facilities.
- Shelter Management Teams: Teams of three local officials, including ASHA workers, lady teachers, and constables, will be assigned to manage each shelter.
- Evacuation of Livestock: Livestock and domestic animals in vulnerable areas will be moved to safer locations.
- Fund Requirements: Districts are advised to notify the department of any additional fund requirements.
- Expense Coverage: All expenses incurred for relief and preparedness will be covered under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF).
The state government aims to minimize the impact of Cyclone Dana by ensuring coordinated evacuation and relief efforts. As the cyclone approaches, officials are urged to remain vigilant and proactive to safeguard lives and property.
