Cyclone Dana: Odisha government plans massive evacuation, hundreds of trains cancelled
The Odisha government is planning to evacuate up to 1 million people, if necessary, from vulnerable districts. It comes as Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall beteen Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port on Thursday tonight or Friday morning.
The government has identified people likely to be evacuated from 3,000 pockets highly susceptible to possible damages. Officials are urging people not to panic and to pay attention to all the orders being passed to help civilians stay safe during the natural disaster.
More than 300 trains have also been cancelled, and there is a possibility of additional cancellations if the situation demands. This is the second cyclone to develop in the North Indian Ocean basin since Cyclone asna formed in late August.
Cyclone Dana to have a gust speed of 100-120 kmph
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has asked all Mlas to remain in their respective constituencies and expedite the rescue and relief operations. North Odisha is likely to face the maximum brunt of the approaching severe cyclonic storm Dana.
Dana is expected to have a gust speed of 100-120 kmph at the time of landfall, causing extremely heavy rain in seven coastal districts, including Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Balasore, Bhadrak and Jagatsinghpur.
Odisha has cancelled leaves of all government employees, including doctors. Over 750 cyclone shelters are being kept in readiness for evacuation of people. Sea condition could be very rough, and fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea till October 25.
