Cyclone Dana: Over 1 Million Evacuated, Schools Shut, Civil Services Exam Rescheduled In Odisha

Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for the impact of Cyclone Dana, which is anticipated to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island on Thursday night.

'Dana' is expected to cross the northern Odisha and West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds ranging from 100-110 km/h, and gusts reaching up to 120 km/h.

In response, the Odisha government has ordered the closure of schools and advised fishermen to refrain from venturing out until October 24. Tourists and pilgrims have also been urged to avoid travelling to Puri during this period.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted heavy rainfall in Odisha until October 24. Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting to review the state's preparedness.

Cyclone Dana: Over 1 million evacuated from Puri

According to AFP, over 1.1 million people residing along India's eastern coastline are being moved to storm shelters, just hours before the cyclone is expected to strike the low-lying region.

The Odisha government has facilitated evacuation efforts in 3,000 villages across 14 districts, relocating residents to relief camps, according to an official statement.

Chief Minister Majhi has urged all MLAs to coordinate relief operations. Provisions have been made for essential supplies, including food, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, and healthcare facilities.

Schools closed

All schools and educational institutions in Odisha and West Bengal have been closed until October 26 in light of Cyclone Dana. In Odisha, schools, colleges, and other educational establishments will remain shut in 14 districts from October 23-25.

Neighbouring West Bengal has also begun experiencing heavy rainfall, with certain districts expected to be affected, prompting officials to maintain a high alert.

Chief Minister Majhi informed the Press Trust of India that around 300,000 people had been evacuated from vulnerable areas, with three districts likely to bear the brunt of the storm.

Cyclone Dana: Civil services exam rescheduled

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has postponed the Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination - 2023-24, which was scheduled for October 27. The Commission has announced that the revised date for the examination will be notified in a week's time.

The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early on Friday, with wind speeds expected to reach up to 120 km/h.