While reviewing the State’s preparedness to tackle cyclone Dana at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi urged people not to panic and remain safe and alert.

“All the concerned departments of the Odisha government are fully ready to tackle any kind of eventualities arising out of Cyclone Dana. You are in safe hands. All be safe and remain alert till the danger is averted,” said CM Majhi.

“Ministers have been given responsibilities to manage the situation. All of them have visited different districts after the cabinet meeting. Besides, experienced officials have also been given responsibilities to tackle the situation,” he further said.

“People in the districts to be affected by the cyclone have been shifted from places in danger to cyclone shelters on war footing. Around 30 per cent of people have been shifted so far. The shifting work will continue throughout the night and 90 per cent of the shifting work will be completed by 11 am on Thursday. People in the cyclone shelters will be provided dry and cooked food along with all other facilities,” he added.

According to CM Majhi, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack and Puri districts are likely to be the most affected due to the cyclone. 

“However, other districts might also get affected if the cyclone changes the direction of its landfall, and the government is fully ready to tackle any kind of situation,” said CM Majhi.

Cyclone Dana: Emergency helpline numbers for Odisha

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of the Chief Minister, Police DG and Secretaries of other departments were also present during the review meeting. Collectors of the likely-to-be affected districts informed about their preparedness to the Chief Minister through virtual mode.

CM Majhi also visited the emergency control room of the Special Relief Commissioner and took stock of the emergency communication process.