Cyclone Dana updates: The governments of West Bengal and Odisha have become alert in view of the danger of Cyclone Dana due to the low pressure forming in the Bay of Bengal. Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha and Sun Temple in Konark have been closed due to Cyclone Dana. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this cyclone may hit the coast of Odisha between Bhitarkanika Park and Dhamra Port between the night of 24 October and the morning of 25 October.
Red alert of rain in many districts of Odisha
IMD has informed that during cyclone Dana, the wind speed can range from 100 to 110 km per hour, which can sometimes even reach 120 km per hour. Due to this, red alert has been issued in many districts of Odisha with warning of heavy to very heavy rains. In view of these circumstances, instructions have been given to close the monuments, temples and museums of the state.
Apart from this, all schools in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh and Cuttack districts of the state have also been ordered to remain closed. The Odisha government has also temporarily closed Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district and Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district for security reasons due to the cyclone.
Odisha CM put ministers to work
In view of Cyclone Dana, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called a cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Majhi has already directed ministers to monitor cyclone management in the districts affected by the cyclone. As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain will oversee Jagatsinghpur district, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Nayak will oversee Balasore, Higher Education Minister Suraj Suryavanshi has been appointed to Bhadrak and Urban Development Minister K.C. Mahapatra will monitor Mayurbhanj district.
Army, Navy and Coast Guard took charge
20 NDRF teams have been deployed in Odisha and 14 in West Bengal for disaster management. Apart from the Army, Navy and Coast Guard, rescue teams, ships and aircraft have also been kept ready. Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said that more than 5,000 relief centers have been set up across the state. Arrangements for water, food, milk and medicines for children have been made in these centres.
More than 200 trains canceled
The Odisha government has appointed six experienced IAS officers to handle the situation and 288 rescue teams have been deployed in various districts. Schools and colleges in 14 districts have been ordered to remain closed for the next three days. Apart from this, more than 200 trains have also been canceled in the state.
Due to the fear of possible disaster in West Bengal, the administration has already started preparations. Vigilance is being maintained in East Medinipur and South 24 Parganas, and the administration is informing people about the cyclone through mic. This information is being given in various coastal areas including Namkhana, Sagar Island, Patharpratima, Bakkhali of South 24 Parganas. The control room has also been prepared.