Odisha CM assures full preparedness for upcoming cyclone, urges public to stay calm

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reassured the public that the state government is fully equipped to handle the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ expected to hit Odisha’s coast on October 24.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reassured the public that the state government is fully equipped to handle the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana,’ expected to hit Odisha’s coast on October 24. Speaking to the media after a cyclone preparedness review meeting in Bhubaneswar on Monday, CM Majhi urged citizens to stay calm and not panic in light of the approaching cyclone.

Majhi emphasized that the government prioritizes the safety and well-being of its people, stressing that the administration is committed to achieving "zero casualty." He reassured that all necessary precautions are in place, with relevant departments, including the state Fire Services Department, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fully prepared to respond.

The Chief Minister highlighted the government's goal of a 100% evacuation in vulnerable areas across the state to minimize risks. He has directed officials to ensure that cyclone shelters are well-stocked with essential supplies such as food, drinking water, medicines, and baby food. Additionally, Majhi called for improved sanitation at these shelters to maintain hygiene during the crisis.

He also instructed officials to be ready to restore basic services like electricity, water, and telecommunications immediately after the storm passes. Special emphasis was placed on ensuring uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and other critical institutions. Majhi urged the Energy Department to take necessary measures to prevent power outages in these key areas during and after the cyclone.

The Chief Minister also called for strict monitoring of prices to prevent black marketing and to ensure a steady supply of vegetables and other essential goods in affected districts.

CM Majhi voiced concern for 11 fishing boats still at sea, urging efforts to bring them back safely ahead of the storm.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is likely to form in the Bay of Bengal on October 23 and is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal during the night of October 24 or early morning on October 25. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 100-110 kmph. Heavy rainfall is expected to begin in coastal areas on October 23, with extremely heavy downpours on October 24 and 25 in certain regions.