The India Meteorological Department on Monday (October 21, 2024) said the well-marked low pressure area over Bay of Bengal, which is likely to be intensified into server cyclonic storm, would cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during night of October 24 and early morning of October 25.
The system is likely to deepen into a depression on October 22 and cyclone on October 23. The severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ could record wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph and cause heavy to very heavy rain in 11 different districts of Odisha. Warning for fishermen has been extended to October 25.
Red warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, and Jagatsinghpur, where heavy to very heavy rainfall up to 7 to 20 cm could take place on October 24. Similar warning has been sounded Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore and Bhadrak on October 25.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high level meeting to take stock of the preparedness. “We are absolutely ready to face the cyclone. All the disaster response teams have been put on readiness. Our focus is to ensure zero casualty,” said Mr. Majhi.
He said, “emphasis has been given on 100% evacuation after identification of vulnerable zones which are likely to be impacted by cyclone. All essential commodities will be kept ready in the cyclone shelters.”
The meeting resolved to ensure uninterrupted power supply to hospitals and expeditious restoration of power and communication infrastructure soon after the cyclone. The government is keeping a close watch on artificial hike in food commodities during cyclone.
Earlier, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed Cabinet Secretary T. V. Somanathan about approaching cyclone, its possible impact and State’s preparedness. He requested all central disaster response force to remain standby for the natural disaster.
Meanwhile, essential commodities have been placed at strategic positions including cyclone shelters where cyclone affected people might have to stay for a couple of days. All line departments have been directed to start their own preparation for the impending disaster.
Published - October 21, 2024 03:40 pm IST
