Cyclone Dana: Odisha's Zero Casualty Triumph Amidst Power Disruptions

Odisha successfully managed Cyclone Dana with zero casualties. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reports almost 6 lakh evacuations. The storm weakened to a deep depression, with NDRF aiding post-cyclone restoration. Power disturbances and minor damages are reported but the state remains focused on recovery.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Friday that no casualties were recorded during the onslaught of Cyclone Dana, attributing this success to the evacuation of nearly 6 lakh residents to secure locations. In a media briefing, Majhi highlighted that the cyclone made landfall between the Bhitarkanika and Dhamra coasts during the night of October 24-25.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone has now weakened into a deep depression, moving north-northwest at 10 kmph. Currently, it is centered approximately 30 km northeast of Bhadrak. The storm is gradually dissipating with winds of up to 100 kmph, as confirmed by the Paradip Doppler weather radar's continuous monitoring.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have commenced restoration tasks in affected areas such as Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur. They have been actively removing debris and clearing roads since early morning. Despite power and infrastructure disruptions, authorities, led by Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, are committed to swift restoration efforts amidst ongoing rainfall and moderate sea conditions.

(With inputs from agencies.)