Cyclone Dana: 800 relief shelters ready in Odisha to house evacuated people, says minister Suresh Pujari

NEW DELHI: The Odisha government has geared up to tackle an impending severe cyclonic storm expected to hit the eastern coast. Authorities have prepared around 800 cyclone shelters and 500 temporary shelters, which include schools and colleges, for residents who need to be evacuated from high-risk areas.

Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said that officials have inspected 250 cyclone relief centers already. These centers are stocked with food, water, medicine, and electricity to accommodate evacuees. Special preparations for women include the deployment of women police at shelters.

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasised the goal of "zero casualty" and urged for a complete evacuation from vulnerable locations. The state has also prioritized aiding pregnant women due to deliver in the next two weeks by transferring them to nearby hospitals.

Pujari acknowledged some reluctance among people to leave their homes due to theft concerns. In response, police patrols in evacuated villages will be intensified. The state remains cautious of the cyclone possibly changing its trajectory, as forecasted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Officials have stationed resources in various locations to counter any deviations in the storm's path. A red alert covers nine districts, with an orange warning indicating heavy rain in some areas.

As a preventive measure, schools in 14 districts will close for three days from Wednesday. The state has also canceled staff leave from October 23 to 25. Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh has urged departments to remain on standby to address the upcoming challenges.

Personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services are already deployed in potential impact zones, and 11 additional National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been requested from the central government. Specific districts are on alert for heavy rain and strong winds on October 24 and 25.

Tourists in Puri have begun evacuating, and the district administration advises against visiting the town. Health authorities have suspended staff leave and prepared essential medicines and safe drinking water for evacuees to prevent disease outbreaks. The energy department has plans to restore power immediately post-cyclone, while the urban development department is addressing potential waterlogging and ensuring clean water supply.

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