Cyclone Dana: Balasore, Bhadark likely to be mostly affected, over 5500 relief centres kept ready, says Minister

With the severe cyclonic storm Dana approaching towards Odisha, more than 5500 cyclonic relief centres have been made ready to ensure safety and security to the people residing in the vulnerable parts of the state, informed Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Wednesday.

Speaking to the media about the cyclone preparedness ahead of the State Cabinet meeting, Pujari said, “The people in the vulnerable region have been urged to reach nearest cyclone relief centres by the evening today. More than 5500 relief centres including permanent and temporary centres have been made ready with all facilities in view of Cyclone Dana.”

“From arranging cooked food to medicine and child food have been kept ready. If people are apprehending theft once they relocate to the cyclone shelters, I want to tell them police forces will be deployed in the villages,” Pujari added.

Cyclone Dana: Emergency Helpline Numbers For Odisha

Sharing the impact of the severe cyclonic storm on Odisha, he said, “As per the prediction, as many as 13 districts are likely to be affected by the cyclone Dana and we have prepared accordingly.”

“As per the latest prediction made this morning, Balasore and Bhadrak are likely to be most affected. I will urge people not to take chances and move to the cyclone centres as life is more precious,” he added.

Earlier in the day, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) informed that cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall somewhere between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra.

The maximum impact of cyclone Dana is likely to be on October 24 night and early morning of October 25, the IMD predicted.