Health Department on high alert for cyclone Dana: Odisha Minister Mukesh Mahaling

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling: Health Department on High Alert as Cyclone Dana Nears Landfall

Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling announced on Wednesday that the state’s Health Department is on high alert in response to Cyclone Dana, which is predicted to make landfall along the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha between October 24 and 25. The Minister confirmed that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is personally overseeing the situation to ensure that all precautionary measures are in place.

“The Health Department is on alert, and all CDMOs (Chief District Medical Officers) have been directed accordingly. Their leaves have been canceled, and measures are being implemented to address snake venom-related issues, which often arise during such weather events,” said Mahaling.

Former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also urged citizens to remain vigilant and prioritize safety. In a video message, he stressed the importance of calm and cooperation, noting that the state’s robust disaster management policy would help minimize the impact of the cyclone. "We have faced several cyclones successfully in the past, and I firmly believe that, together, we will overcome this one as well,” Patnaik said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been actively preparing for Cyclone Dana. NDRF DIG Mohsen Shahidi reported that 20 teams have been deployed in Odisha and 13 in West Bengal, with four additional teams on reserve. Shahidi mentioned that maximum evacuations are expected to be completed ahead of the cyclone’s landfall. Preparations have also been made in Andhra Pradesh's Vizag.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) further updated that Cyclone Dana is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by early morning on October 24. The cyclone is expected to cross the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island, close to Bhitarkanika-Dhamra, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h, during the night of October 24 into the morning of October 25.

In addition to the NDRF teams, the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have placed their rescue and relief teams, as well as ships and aircraft, on high alert.