Bhubaneswar: With Cyclone Dana’s landfall imminent, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari warned that the next 48 hours will be crucial. The Odisha government has issued a high alert in 13 districts.
Pujari cautioned that the period between 8:30 pm today and 8:30 pm tomorrow will be crucial, urging citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
Talking to the mediapersons about government preparedness to combat the impending disaster, Pujari informed, “The Odisha government has issued a high alert in 13 districts, with evacuation efforts. Over 10 lakh people are being shifted to safety, with 6,500 relief centres set up. The government has made arrangements for food, shelter, and medical facilities. Moreover, NDRF, ODRAF, and fire department teams are on standby.”
“The cyclone is expected to bring 20 cm of rainfall, with strong winds gusting up to 150 kmph. The districts of Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara are expected to be severely affected. The government has advised people to move to safety and not to panic. We are fully prepared to tackle the situation.”
He further said, “Administration, police, and local representatives are on the job. People have reached shelter homes. Those arriving at relief centres are tying up their domestic animals at home. Don’t do this. Let them loose in a safe place. The Animal Husbandry department has arranged food for them. Pregnant women have been taken to hospitals and are safe. Preparations are satisfactory.”
“Don’t panic. Many cyclones have come before, and Odisha residents have faced them successfully. The cyclone will cause discomfort for the next 48 hours, but afterwards, arrangements will be made to return you home from shelter centres. Police, including women personnel, are deployed at each village and relief centre. Patrolling is ongoing. After the cyclone, the administration will take adequate steps to send them back to your homes from relief centres. Adequate compensation will be provided. Cooperate with the government”, Pujari stated.
