Odisha CM Reviews Preparedness for Cyclone ‘Dana,’ Emphasizes ‘Zero Casualty’ Approach, Directs Fishermen’s Return

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed district collectors to ensure fishermen deep at sea return safely. This directive was issued during a review of the preparedness for Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The CM was informed that 11 fishermen, nine from Jagatsinghpur and two from Puri districts, remain at sea. With the IMD predicting rough sea conditions from tomorrow, posing risks to fishermen, Majhi urged officials to bring them back within 12 hours.

Speaking to the media, Majhi reassured the public, stating, “There is no need to panic. We are prepared with a ‘zero casualty’ approach. Firefighters, ODRAF, and NDRF teams are ready. Affected areas will be identified, and 100% evacuation will be completed.”

He further added that cyclone shelters would be fully equipped and ready, and restoration of emergency services like power, water, and mobile networks would be prioritized. “Uninterrupted electricity will be provided at all hospitals, and measures are in place to prevent the black marketing of essential goods,” Majhi said.

The Chief Minister also instructed Puri District Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain to ensure that pilgrims known as Habisyalis face no difficulties due to the cyclone.

During the meeting, Special Relief Commissioner Deo Ranjan Singh stated that Cyclone Dana is likely to make landfall between Paradip and Bhitarkanika. Key officials, including Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, and Development Commissioner Anu Garg, attended the meeting, alongside district collectors via video conferencing.

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Earlier, the IMD predicted that Cyclone Dana would cross between Puri and Sagar Islands on the night of October 24 or early morning of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h