The inauguration of the Rs.450/- crore modern passenger terminal at Petra pole on the Indo Bangladesh border originally planned for October 23 has been postponed.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning that a low pressure area over the Bay of Bengal could develop into Cyclone Dana by October 23 with landfall anticipated between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of October 24.
Odisha Director General of Police Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi has confirmed that the police are fully prepared to handle any situations that may arise due to the storm.
We are closely monitoring the cyclone path to determine whether it will impact Bangladesh or Odisha. Our actions will depend on its trajectory but preparations are already in place Odisha Director General of Police Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi informed reporters.
Sadangi added that efforts are underway to bring back the fishermen who ventured into the sea. By tomorrow they will have more clarity on which districts are likely to be affected and further action will be determined accordingly.
What we know so far about Cyclone Dana:
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that the state government is fully prepared to handle any challenges posed by Cyclone Dana.
- A comprehensive evacuation plan has been formulated for vulnerable areas with teams from NDRF, ODRAF and fire services on standby.
- Districts such as Kendrapara, Balasore and Bhadrak are expected to be the most affected.
- Agricultural officers and district collectors have been advised to prepare for quick evacuation of accumulated rainwater.
- Energy grids and emergency transmission towers in at risk districts are under close watch.
- Cyclone shelters will be stocked with essential supplies and commodities.
- The IMD has issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall of 7 to 20 cm with isolated areas experiencing more than 20 cm of rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam and Jagatsinghpur on October 24.
- Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh has directed the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure.
- Heavy rain is also forecasted for West Bengal coastal districts including Purba and Paschim Medinipur as well as North and South 24 Parganas on October 23.
- The inauguration of the Rs.450/- crore modern passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo Bangladesh border originally scheduled for October 23 has been postponed due to the impending cyclone.
