Cyclone Dana Brings Heavy Rains and Flash Flood Warnings in Odisha

Cyclone Dana: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of flash floods in 16 districts of Odisha as Cyclone Dana brings heavy rainfall across the state. The affected areas include Angul, Balasore, Boudh, Bhadrak, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khurda, Mayurbhanj, Nayagarh, and Puri. The IMD has predicted that flash floods in watershed areas are likely over the next 24 hours.

Cyclone’s Path and Status Update

As of October 25, Cyclone Dana was located over north coastal Odisha, approximately 30 km northeast of Bhadrak and 50 km northwest of Dhamara. The storm, moving northwest at 10 km/h, is expected to weaken into a deep depression within the next six hours.

Response and Precautions Taken

Odisha Minister Suryabanshi Suraj reported that the storm’s wind speed has slowed, though rainfall continues in affected areas. Over 1 lakh residents, especially from Bhadrak, were evacuated to shelters as a precaution. Essential supplies, including food, were provided, and power restoration is planned once rains subside. Minister Suraj assured that communication and road networks remain operational, with the Chief Minister and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan monitoring the situation.

‘Zero Casualty Mission’ Success

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi proudly announced the success of the state's "Zero Casualty Mission," reporting no deaths or injuries from Cyclone Dana. Majhi praised the collective efforts in managing the storm's impact. The state evacuated 4,431 pregnant women to healthcare centers before the storm hit, and 1,600 babies were delivered safely during the cyclone. “I’m pleased to report that all 1,600 newborns and their mothers are in good health,” Majhi stated.

Current Movement of Cyclone Dana

The cyclone’s intensity has reduced, and it is now moving towards Anandapur in Keonjhar district, with an expected path through Dhenkanal and Angul districts. The state remains on high alert as the system weakens, prioritizing safety and essential services in affected areas.

Summary

Cyclone Dana has hit Odisha, causing heavy rains and prompting flash flood warnings in 16 districts. The cyclone is gradually weakening as it moves northwest, and the government has evacuated over 1 lakh people to shelters for safety. Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the "Zero Casualty Mission" was a success, with no reported deaths or injuries.

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The state also safely evacuated over 4,400 pregnant women to nearby hospitals, where 1,600 babies were delivered safely. Officials say that power and road networks are under control, and plans for restoration are in place as the cyclone moves further inland.