As Cyclone Dana strengthens further, over a million residents across the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal were evacuated in anticipation of its landfall, projected between the Puri coast and Sagar Island on October 24, 2024. The cyclone, categorized as a severe storm, is wheezing in winds above 100 km/h, causing authorities on the ground to take emergency measures.
Massive Evacuations and Preparedness Measures
Odisha’s government, under Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has launched a massive evacuation operation, with the evacuation of over a million souls to safety. The state disaster management teams have been on standby, and over 1,000 shelters have been set up for the displaced. Medical teams are ready with food and other supplies, while the state government has also released advisories asking people to stay indoors until the storm passes. At the same time, West Bengal has implemented similar precautionary measures in order to avert damage.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Dana will make landfall on October 24. This has made it mandatory for state government authorities to cancel the Certification Examination that was to take place next in order to protect the candidates. A considerable number of public works and events have also been rescheduled for minimum intrusion to coastal areas.
Impact on Infrastructure and Power Supply
Ganjam, Puri, and Jagatsinghpur, lying along the sea, will be the worst-affected Districts in Odisha, where the one-two punch of heavy rainfall, storm surge, and subsequent flooding will bear down on low-lying areas. While restoring power quickly is being urged, massive cyclones do typically throw a ricochet punch at infrastructure. NDRF teams are poised strategically to assist with cleanup once the storm moves through, as local authorities continuously coordinate with meteorological agencies to observe alterations in the cyclone’s course.
Exam Postponement and School Closures
The official announcement made regarding the Civil Services Preliminary Exam slated for this weekend is postponement in the Odisha state. Along with this notification, schools and colleges have been closed till further notice by the education department until the cyclone abates. The administration has informed the populace to keep a hawk’s eye on directions from the government and remain indoors during the cyclone’s landfall.Prohibitively strict restrictions on marine activities have been enacted, prohibiting coastal fishermen from venturing into the sea.
Relief Efforts and Government Response
Both Odisha and West Bengal took to rescue procedures, with the distribution of food, medical services, and emergency rescue operations ready for deployment. The chief minister from Odisha promised the citizens in the press briefing that all measures will be taken in a timely manner to minimise casualties and damage to property. Backpacks of relief are likely to begin distribution to victims once the storm passes, and the restoration of essential services will also be given priority in the cyclone-hit areas.
