“Preparations to tackle Cyclone Dana are in full swing…”, says Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo

Odisha Gears Up for Cyclone Dana: Deputy CM KV Singh Deo Ensures High Alert Across Departments

As Cyclone Dana approaches the Odisha coast, the state government has ramped up its preparations, with multiple departments placed on high alert. Odisha Deputy Chief Minister KV Singh Deo announced that Cabinet ministers have been tasked with overseeing preparations and post-cyclone restoration efforts in various districts that are expected to bear the brunt of the storm. This initiative showcases the seriousness and commitment of the state government, which is taking proactive measures to mitigate the impact of the cyclone.

Speaking to ANI, KV Singh Deo emphasized, "The responsibility given to Cabinet ministers to monitor districts shows the state government's commitment. Unlike previous administrations, this time ministers will oversee the cyclone impact zones instead of bureaucrats."

He added that ministers are also responsible for supervising the restoration work after the cyclone passes, ensuring accountability. "One minister per district has been assigned to give more accountability. We have adequate stocks in various districts to handle any emergency," Singh Deo stated.

Meanwhile, IMD Senior Scientist Umashankar Das reported that Cyclone Dana had intensified further into a cyclonic storm as of 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The storm, moving northwest at 15 km/h, is expected to intensify into a severe cyclone by the morning of October 24. Landfall is anticipated between the midnight of October 24 and the early hours of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting up to 220 km/h.

A red warning has been issued for October 24 and 25, advising fishermen to stay off the waters until at least October 25. Heavy rainfall ranging from 7 to 20 cm is expected in the affected areas.

ADG Law and Order, Sanjay Kumar, stated that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has deployed 60 teams across the state, fully equipped to respond to the cyclone. "We are ready to shift our troops from lesser affected areas to highly affected zones if needed," he added.

In addition, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), along with rescue teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, are on standby. Ships and aircraft are also on high alert, ensuring a coordinated response to Cyclone Dana.