Cyclone Dana: Do’s and Don’ts, critical reminders to stay safe and minimise damage

The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has taken the form of cyclonic storm on Wednesday and is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts in the early hours of October 25 with a wind speed of 100-110 mph gusting to 120 mph.

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in the state as IMD has issued a red alert for October 24 and October 25 in coastal districts.

Meanwhile, the Odisha government has put 14 districts on alert based on IMD forecast including Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam and Mayurbhanj.

Cyclone Dana: Emergency Helpline Numbers

Rescue operations have already started with government planning to evacuate nearly 10L people from 3000 villages to multipurpose cyclone shelters, flood shelters, and other buildings. As the government buckles up for the rescue operation, it is for individuals to adopt emergency measures to minimise the damage from the Cyclone Dana.

Find below the steps recommended by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA):
Pre-Cyclone preparations

1.    Inspect your house and secure loose tiles.
2.    Repair doors and windows.
3.    Remove dead branches or dying trees.
4.    Anchor removable objects (lumber piles, tin sheets, bricks, etc.).
5.    Keep wooden boards ready to board glass windows.
6.    Store hurricane lanterns, battery-operated torches, and extra dry cells.
7.    Demolish condemned buildings.
8.    Stock dry, non-perishable food.

During Cyclone Alerts and Warnings
1.    Monitor radio warnings (All India Radio).
2.    Pass information to others.
3.    Ignore rumors and avoid panic.
4.    Stay alert for 24 hours.
5.    Evacuate from low-lying areas.
6.    Board up glass windows or use storm shutters.
7.    Secure outside doors.
8.    Store valuable items on upper floors.

Evacuation Essentials
1.    Pack essentials (medicines, special food, etc.).
2.    Head to designated shelters or evacuation points.
3.    Follow instructions from authorities.

Post-Cyclone Precautions
1.    Remain in shelters until officially cleared.
2.    Get inoculated against diseases.
3.    Avoid loose wires.
4.    Drive carefully.
5.    Clear debris immediately.
6.    Report losses to authorities.

Critical Reminders
- Stay calm and informed.
- Avoid venturing out during calm periods.
- Follow official instructions.
- Prioritize safety over property.