New Delhi: In preparation for Cyclone Dana, authorities in Odisha have set up helplines and implemented safety measures to assist the public. The Indian Railways has released 17 dedicated helpline numbers across various stations to provide information and support to travellers during this severe weather event.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), wind speeds in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore are predicted to reach between 100-110 km/h, with gusts of up to 120 km/h, accompanied by heavy rainfall and tidal surges during landfall. The landfall is expected to begin on the evening of October 24 and continue into the early hours of October 25.
The helpline numbers include:
- Bhubaneswar: 8114382371
- Puri: 8926100356
- Cuttack: 8114382359
- Khurda: 8926100215, 8114382349
- Paradeep: 8114388302
- Jajpur Keonjhar Road: 8114382342
- Bhadrak: 8114382301
- Palasa: 8114382319
- Berhampur: 8114382340
- Sambalpur Station: 8249999674
- Sambalpur City Station: 9437386759
- Titlagarh Station: 8280131465
- Visakhapatnam: 0891-2746330, 0891-2744619, 8712641255, 7780787054
- Vizianagaram: 08922-221202, 8712641260
- Srikakulam Road: 08942-286213, 08942-286245
- Duvvada: 8500358524
- Rayagada: 06856223400, 9439741071
In addition, the Odisha Fire & Emergency Services have mobilised over 180 teams across districts expected to be affected by the cyclone. They have established a helpline number at 0671-2303101 for emergency assistance.
The State Transport Authority (STA) has set up two control rooms in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, operating 24/7 until October 26. People can contact the STA at 0671-2507042 for support.
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, Kolkata airport authorities have suspended flight operations for 15 hours starting from 6pm on Thursday.
Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that over 30% of the targeted 10 lakh residents have been evacuated to safety by Wednesday evening. He stated that ongoing efforts aim to evacuate the remaining individuals from at-risk areas by 11am on Thursday, according to a report by news agency PTI.
Additionally, flight operations at Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar will also be halted for 16 hours, from 5pm on October 24 to 9am on October 25, as Cyclone Dana approaches, with landfall expected near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra Port by Friday morning.
