Cyclone Dana Approaches: Odisha mobilizes disaster forces, closes schools for three days

Ports on alert as Signal 1 raised, heavy rainfall expected

By Subrat Sarangi

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 22: With Cyclone Dana advancing toward Odisha’s coastline, the state government has swiftly mobilized multiple teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) across 14 coastal districts. Additional units are on standby as precautionary measures ramp up.

According to the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), each of the districts of Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Khurda, Bhadrak, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj will have two ODRAF teams on the ground, while Cuttack, Ganjam, and Jajpur will each receive one team. This deployment follows the intensification of a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal into a depression on Tuesday, which is projected to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday morning.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Cyclone Dana will make landfall on the Odisha coast between Puri and Sagar Islands in West Bengal either late on October 24 or early October 25. Wind speeds could reach 100-110 km/h, with gusts of up to 120 km/h, posing a significant threat to coastal areas.

Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the IMD, reported that the storm was located approximately 700 kilometers from Paradip on Tuesday evening. The state government has requested 10 additional NDRF teams from the central government to bolster its disaster response as heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to lash the region.

Farmers in vulnerable districts, such as Balasore, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur, have begun harvesting their crops early to minimize losses, while evacuation efforts are already underway for pregnant women and elderly residents in the most at-risk areas.

In an effort to prevent price inflation during this critical period, the state government has warned local businesses against engaging in black-market activities. Strict penalties have been promised for any violations.

Signal 1 has been raised at all major ports along the Odisha coast, indicating the formation of a low-pressure area and possible surface wind speeds of up to 60 km/h.

As a preventive measure, the Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges in 14 coastal districts from October 23 to 25. The closure affects the districts of Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Cuttack.

In addition to ground personnel, a helicopter provided by the central government is on standby to assist in rescue and relief efforts if needed. Disaster response units from the NDRF, ODRAF, and the state fire services are prepared to tackle emergencies as the cyclone approaches.

The IMD has issued warnings of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall starting on October 23, with the intensity of the storm expected to peak between October 24 and 25. Coastal districts are likely to bear the brunt of the impact, with the IMD forecasting severe weather during this time.

According to IMD’s Regional Centre Director Manorama Mohanty, the heaviest impact will be felt on October 24 and 25. A “Yellow Warning” has been issued for several districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Gajapati, effective from October 23. A “Red Warning” is in place for Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur on October 24 and 25, highlighting the risk of severe weather conditions.