Odisha Prepares For Severe Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’

As the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ approaches, Odisha braces for another round of extreme weather. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, predicting the storm will intensify and make landfall along the Odisha coast in the coming days. The state government has ramped up its preparedness, focusing on minimizing damage, protecting lives, and ensuring quick recovery post-cyclone.

Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’: IMD’s Forecast and Path

According to the IMD, Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ originated in the Bay of Bengal and is expected to gain strength as it moves toward the Odisha coast. The weather system has already escalated from a deep depression into a cyclonic storm, and there are strong indicators that it could further intensify into a severe cyclonic storm before making landfall.

The current trajectory of ‘Dana’ suggests it will impact coastal districts like Puri, Ganjam, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak. The storm’s accompanying high-speed winds of 100-120 km/h and heavy rainfall are likely to cause major disruptions. The fishermen community has been advised not to venture into the sea, while ports in the region have been placed on high alert.

IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Odisha. The downpour could extend to inland areas, raising concerns of flooding and landslides in regions that are prone to such natural disasters.

Government’s Preparedness Measures

In response to the impending storm, the Odisha government has taken several precautionary measures. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has held multiple high-level meetings with disaster management agencies to ensure that the state is fully prepared to handle the storm’s impact.

1. Evacuation Plans: The Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed to vulnerable areas. The government plans to evacuate people living in low-lying coastal areas to safer locations. Emergency shelters have been prepared, ensuring adequate social distancing and health protocols in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Cyclone Shelters and Relief Camps: Over 800 cyclone shelters have been readied across the state to accommodate people. These shelters have been stocked with essential supplies such as food, drinking water, and medicines. Special arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
3. Healthcare Preparedness: The state health department has been put on high alert, and ambulances and medical teams have been stationed in high-risk areas. District hospitals and primary health centers have been instructed to keep adequate stock of medicines and emergency medical supplies. COVID-19 protocols will also be strictly followed in all relief shelters to prevent the spread of the virus during the evacuation and relief operations.
4. Power and Communication: The government is working closely with electricity boards and telecom operators to ensure that essential services like power supply and communication networks are restored quickly in case of disruptions. Backup generators have been set up in key locations to ensure that emergency services, such as hospitals, do not face outages.

Coastal Odisha Prepares for Impact

The districts along the coast are on high alert as they prepare for Cyclone Dana’s landfall. Local authorities have been actively spreading awareness and issuing warnings to residents. Efforts are being made to protect both lives and livelihoods. Fishermen and farmers are among the most vulnerable groups, and the state has implemented several measures to mitigate the cyclone’s impact on these communities.

1. Fishing Activities Halted: The government has completely banned all fishing activities in the Bay of Bengal as a precautionary measure. The fishermen who were out at sea have been advised to return to shore. Coast Guard vessels are also patrolling the waters to ensure that no fishing boats venture into dangerous areas.
2. Protection of Livelihoods: Farmers are being advised to protect their crops and livestock from the impending storm. The agriculture department has provided information on how to secure agricultural produce and livestock. Immediate compensation for potential crop loss due to heavy rains and flooding is being discussed.
3. Tourism Affected: Coastal areas like Puri and Gopalpur, which attract a large number of tourists, are being evacuated. Hotels and resorts in these areas have been asked to suspend operations temporarily to ensure the safety of visitors. Tourists have been urged to avoid traveling to coastal regions until the storm passes.

Past Experience with Cyclones Helps Odisha’s Preparedness

Odisha has a long history of being hit by cyclones, which has shaped its disaster management response over the years. The state government has developed a robust early warning system and evacuation plan in response to previous cyclones, including Cyclone Fani (2019), Cyclone Amphan (2020), and Cyclone Yaas (2021).

The state’s efficient response to previous cyclones has been lauded internationally. Odisha’s focus on preparedness, from evacuation drills to setting up relief camps, has saved thousands of lives during severe cyclonic events. This experience is expected to come in handy as the state braces for Cyclone Dana.

Post-Cyclone Relief and Recovery Plans

In the aftermath of the cyclone, the Odisha government has a well-established relief and recovery plan. Restoration of essential services such as electricity, water supply, and roads will be prioritized. Relief camps will continue to provide food and medical assistance until it is safe for evacuees to return home. The government has also initiated damage assessments to ensure that those affected receive timely financial compensation for the losses incurred.

As Cyclone Dana approaches, Odisha is leaving no stone unturned in its preparation efforts. With efficient disaster management protocols in place and a focus on evacuation, healthcare, and communication, the state hopes to mitigate the storm’s impact. Past experiences with cyclones like Fani and Yaas have equipped Odisha with the knowledge and infrastructure necessary to deal with severe cyclonic events.

The state’s rapid response teams, including ODRAF and NDRF, are on high alert, and efforts are underway to ensure the safety of residents across the state. With the cyclone expected to hit soon, the coming days will be crucial for Odisha’s preparedness efforts as it braces for yet another major weather event.