Bhubaneswar, October 24: Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo has assured that the state government is fully prepared to handle the severe cyclonic storm Dana, which is expected to make landfall soon.
Singh Deo said that all government departments, including senior ministers, officers, and workers, are ready to respond to any potential emergency.
"The Government is prepared. All concerned departments and personnel are in position, and we are taking proactive measures to ensure public safety without spreading unnecessary fear," Singh Deo said. He added that the Chief Minister and other key ministers are closely monitoring the situation.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings, with Director General Dr. Mrityunjay Mohapatra noting that Cyclone Dana has intensified and is expected to bring the most severe impact to Odisha, followed by West Bengal. The storm's landfall will bring heavy rain and strong winds, particularly in southern Jharkhand and interior districts of Odisha.
Evacuations have already begun in vulnerable areas such as Dhamara and Bhadrak, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Odisha and West Bengal are on standby.
Additionally, the Indian Navy's Eastern Naval Command has activated a disaster response system to provide humanitarian aid and medical support, if needed, in coordination with state authorities.