In the Bhadrak district of Odisha, several trees were uprooted due to strong winds and heavy, persistent rains caused by Cyclone ‘Dana,’ which made landfall early on Friday. Numerous roads were obstructed as a result of the fallen trees. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Odisha is currently experiencing winds at speeds of 100-110 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h.
The IMD reported that the severe cyclonic storm “Dana” was moving north-northwest at a speed of 12 km/h and was located over north coastal Odisha, approximately 15 km north of Dhamara and 30 km north-northwest of Habalikhati nature camp (Bhitarkanika). They added that the landfall process was expected to continue for an additional 1-2 hours and that the cyclone would likely shift nearly west-northwest across northern Odisha, gradually weakening into a regular cyclonic storm by later this morning.
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, announced that about ten districts are anticipated to be impacted, with evacuation efforts now complete. He stated that these districts include 60 blocks, 2131 villages, 12 urban local bodies, and 55 wards across various urban areas. So far, approximately 377,000 individuals have been evacuated, with 7307 relief centers prepared, of which 4756 are currently operational. Additionally, 6454 domestic animals have been moved to relief centers, and 213 medical teams, along with 120 veterinary teams, have been deployed to assist the evacuated population.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed Odisha’s readiness for Cyclone Dana on Thursday alongside Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, assuring support from the central government. An official statement indicated that Odisha had taken comprehensive measures to mitigate the cyclone’s effects, including establishing 5209 cyclone shelters and evacuating over 362,000 people from high-risk areas, including 3654 pregnant women relocated to nearby hospitals. Furthermore, 19 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 51 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and 220 Fire Services teams have been dispatched to assist in the response efforts.