Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea intensified into a low-pressure area on Monday and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In a special bulletin, the IMD stated that the upper air cyclonic circulation observed on Sunday over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining Bay of Bengal has now formed into a low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the nearby North Andaman Sea early this morning.
“It is expected to move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression by October 22 morning and developing into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal,” the IMD stated. The system is predicted to continue its northwestward journey and is likely to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha-West Bengal coast, by the morning of October 24.
Odisha on High Alert
The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has activated a 24-hour control room to monitor the possible cyclone threat. Senior IAS officers will be dispatched to the affected districts to coordinate the response. Plans are being finalized to deploy NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services to high-risk areas, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Relief teams will begin moving out by Monday evening. District officials are set to review the situation and submit reports by the afternoon. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a crucial meeting on Monday to assess the preparedness and provide further assistance.
Pujari instructed the state administration to be fully prepared for the potential impact of Cyclone Dana, urging citizens not to panic. He assured the public that updates on the storm and associated rainfall will be provided a regular intervals. He held discussions with officials from various departments, directing ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services to stay on high alert. District Magistrates have been instructed to ensure storm shelters are ready.
Government Issues Warnings on Black Market Practices
Meanwhile, Food Supplies Minister Krushnachandra Patra has issued a warning against black market activities during the cyclone. He raised concerns about the potential for black market activities during the cyclone, warning traders that the government will take strict measures to prevent stockpiling and price rise of essential goods. “We will not tolerate black marketing, and stock points will be closely monitored. Violators will face severe consequences,” the minister stated.
