Cyclone Dana update: Odisha govt is fully prepared, says Minister

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the formation of a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, the Odisha government has asked collectors to remain prepared for possible cyclonic storm Dana.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari asked the district collectors to prepare in advance to reduce the impact of the possible cyclone.

“The government is well prepared to deal with the situation. There is no need to be panic. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has already held a discussion with the concerned departments,” said the Minister.

Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been asked to remain alert.

Besides, the district collectors have been asked to prepare the cyclone shelters, the Minister said.

According to sources, the SRC has asked the district collectors of costal Odisha to identify the vulnerable people and shift them to safe shelters, prepare a detailed evacuation plan for those living in kutcha houses, near the coast or in low lying areas.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that a cyclonic circulation, currently located over the central Andaman Sea, is expected to intensify into cyclone Dana by October 23.

The IMD predicts the cyclone will reach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts, by the morning of October 24.