Odisha: One person was injured in a wall collapse in Nimpara as Severe cyclonic storm Dana has unleashed heavy rainfall across 11 districts of Odisha since Wednesday evening, as it approaches the coast. With landfall expected at midnight, the storm is already impacting areas such as Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore.
During heavy rains in Nimapara, Kalandi Parida of Ward No 1 of Patpur village, suffered injuries when the wall of his house caved in on him. Immediately, he was shifted to Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar in critical condition.
Gusty winds uproot trees disrupting communication
In Kendrapada, gusty winds have uprooted trees, disrupting communication in Khamarsahi Panchayat. Local representatives and villagers are working to clear the roads. Bhadrak is experiencing increased rainfall and strong winds, particularly in Dhamra, Chandbaliand Dhamnagar. Balasore has seen intensifying rains since Wednesday evening, with wind speeds on the rise.
Emergency teams clearing roads
The storm has led to uprooted trees across Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore. Emergency teams, including fire personnel and ODRAF, are clearing affected areas. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is currently centred approximately 180 km southeast of Paradip and is expected to cross the Odisha and West Bengal coasts with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h.
Minister Suraj Suryavanshi visits cyclone shelters in Dhamra
Minister Suraj Suryavanshi visited cyclone shelters in Dhamra to assess facilities and interact with evacuated residents. Former Keonjhar collector Dr N Thirumala Naik also reviewed shelter conditions, while Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo monitored management efforts in Kendrapara, encouraging residents to report any issues.
3,00,000 people relocated to relief centres across 13 districts
Approximately 3,00,000 people have been relocated to relief centres across 13 districts. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasised continuous monitoring of the situation, with police and local representatives patrolling vulnerable areas. Special arrangements are in place for pregnant women and critical patients, with medical teams on standby.
Weather Updates and Alerts
Heavy to extreme rainfall has been reported in several locations, including 62.9 mm in Paradip and 46.2 mm in Chandbali. Wind speeds in Kendrapada and Bhadrak are likely to reach up to 120 km/h. A red alert has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Kendrapada, and Bhadrak.
Precautions and Closures
Due to the impending storm, several attractions, including the Konark Sun Temple and Puri Jagannath Temple, will remain closed on October 24 and 25. The East Coast Railway has cancelled 197 trains, and Bhubaneswar's Biju Patnaik International Airport has suspended operations from 5 pm on Thursday until 9 am on Friday.
NDRF Preparedness
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has mobilised teams across Odisha and West Bengal, focusing on safe evacuations before the storm makes landfall. Teams are stationed in 20 locations in Odisha and 13 in West Bengal, with additional units on standby. As Cyclone Dana approaches, authorities are prioritizing public safety and preparedness to mitigate the storm's impact.
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