Bhubaneswar, Oct 23: Bracing for cyclone Dana, the Odisha government has implemented essential measures to address potential emergencies. But this time, women police officers will be deployed at relief centers to ensure safety and support for evacuees.
Authorities expect the storm to have the most significant impact on Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri districts.
The state has already mobilized around 20 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force and 10 teams from the National Disaster Response Force to assist in response efforts. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red warning for seven districts—Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur—and an orange warning for an additional seven districts: Keonjhar, Angul, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Khordha, Puri, and Ganjam, effective October 24 to 25.
Officials have reviewed a total of 250 relief centers, which are now prepared for use. Additionally, 500 temporary shelters, including schools and colleges, have been established to accommodate evacuees. Those displaced will receive cooked meals and medical services, with the health department compiling a list of pregnant women to ensure their needs are met. Residents, particularly women, children, and the elderly, are advised to move to safer locations as the storm approaches.
