Odisha gears up for cyclone Dana: 5000 relief centers set up, 10 lakh people to be evacuated
Oct 23, 2024, 10:30 IST
As Cyclone ‘Dana’ approaches the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal, the state government has ramped up its preparedness, setting up over 5,000 relief centers and planning to evacuate around 10 lakh people, as per Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari.
Pujari said in a statement, "This was the last review meeting to take stock of the situation and assess the preparedness at the grassroots level. As of now, more than 5000 relief centers have already been set up with all modern facilities to provide drinking water, food, milk to children, and medicine to the ailing people. We are expecting around 10 lakh evacuation."
He also noted that the telecom infrastructure is being closely monitored, with assurances from the telecom department that there will be no network failures during the cyclone. Additionally, Tata Energy has guaranteed round-the-clock power supply, with backup systems in place to address any potential outages.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed state ministers to oversee cyclone management in districts likely to be hit by ‘Dana.’ He urged local MLAs to remain in their constituencies to support district administrations with rescue and relief operations.
In a post on X, the Odisha CM said, "In case of possible storm and heavy rainfall, all the MLAs must be present in their respective constituencies to coordinate with the district administration to deal with the storm and expedite relief and rescue operations. All the MLAs should try their best to stay with the people of their respective constituencies and give them the necessary support."
Cyclone Dana has already impacted transportation, with several trains being cancelled. Train services between Tirunelveli Junction and Shalimar, as well as Bhubaneswar and Rameswaram, have been suspended to ensure passenger safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to develop into a severe cyclonic storm. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Odisha-West Bengal coast by October 24, bringing heavy rains for at least three days.
In preparation, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has activated a 24-hour Disaster Management Cell at its headquarters and divisional offices. Special teams have been deployed to ensure quick restoration of tracks, signaling systems, and electrification post-cyclone. ECoR General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal chaired a meeting to ensure all departments are aligned for passenger safety. Diesel locomotives are also on standby in case of power disruptions.
The state continues to monitor the cyclone’s progress closely, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents as the storm draws nearer.
(With ANI inputs)
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Pujari said in a statement, "This was the last review meeting to take stock of the situation and assess the preparedness at the grassroots level. As of now, more than 5000 relief centers have already been set up with all modern facilities to provide drinking water, food, milk to children, and medicine to the ailing people. We are expecting around 10 lakh evacuation."
He also noted that the telecom infrastructure is being closely monitored, with assurances from the telecom department that there will be no network failures during the cyclone. Additionally, Tata Energy has guaranteed round-the-clock power supply, with backup systems in place to address any potential outages.
Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed state ministers to oversee cyclone management in districts likely to be hit by ‘Dana.’ He urged local MLAs to remain in their constituencies to support district administrations with rescue and relief operations.
In a post on X, the Odisha CM said, "In case of possible storm and heavy rainfall, all the MLAs must be present in their respective constituencies to coordinate with the district administration to deal with the storm and expedite relief and rescue operations. All the MLAs should try their best to stay with the people of their respective constituencies and give them the necessary support."
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is set to develop into a severe cyclonic storm. The storm is expected to make landfall along the Odisha-West Bengal coast by October 24, bringing heavy rains for at least three days.
In preparation, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has activated a 24-hour Disaster Management Cell at its headquarters and divisional offices. Special teams have been deployed to ensure quick restoration of tracks, signaling systems, and electrification post-cyclone. ECoR General Manager Parmeshwar Funkwal chaired a meeting to ensure all departments are aligned for passenger safety. Diesel locomotives are also on standby in case of power disruptions.
The state continues to monitor the cyclone’s progress closely, prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents as the storm draws nearer.
(With ANI inputs)