The Odisha government has announced the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure ahead of Cyclone Dana.
Schools in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Cuttack will remain closed during this period, according to an order issued by the Office of the Special Relief Commissioner on October 21.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy rainfall and severe weather in Odisha, with Cyclone Dana expected to make landfall on Thursday.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday said that the state government is fully prepared to tackle any situation arising from Cyclone Dana.
“Zero casualties will be ensured. There is no need to panic. The government is fully prepared to handle the situation,” Majhi said after a review meeting on the state’s cyclone preparedness.
“A 100% evacuation will be carried out after identifying vulnerable areas. NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services teams are on standby. The government is closely monitoring the situation,” he added.
The chief minister said that cyclone shelters will be equipped with all essential commodities.
“Discussions were also held for the early restoration of power, water supply, and telephone and road communication. Uninterrupted electricity will be ensured for hospitals. The concerned department is already keeping a close watch to prevent hoarding or overcharging of essential commodities,” Majhi said.
The cyclone, which developed from a low-pressure system in the east-central Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify into a severe storm, with winds of up to 120 kmph. It is predicted to cross the Odisha-West Bengal coastline between Puri and Sagar Island by the night of 24th October or early on 25th October.