Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Odisha’s Revenue Minister and Disaster Management Suresh Pujari on Monday said the State government is fully prepared to tackle possible disasters due to the severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ which is heading towards its coast and likely to make landfall between Puri and West Bengal's Sagar Island during night of October 24 and early morning of October 25.

"We have started all the preparations notwithstanding the intensity and direction of the cyclonic storm...Warnings have been issued to a few districts...In the evening I will hold a review meeting with the SRC, the Director General of fire services, the additional DG of law and order and the secretaries of various departments,” the Minister said.

“We will ensure that there are zero casualties, and the people are evacuated in advance. All the necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and security of the people,” he added.

Pujari also urged the people not to panic, stating that the government has decided to deploy ODRAF and initiate the evacuation process from the vulnerable areas so far locations.

Meanwhile, the State government has cancelled the leave of all officers and staff due to the impending cyclonic storm and asked them to remain alert at their headquarters.

District and concerned departments have been instructed to operate control rooms on a 24×7 basis. Cyclone shelters are being kept in readiness, while the provision of drinking water during and lighting arrangements are being done.

District collectors have been asked to remain prepared in their respective areas and keep continuous vigil of low-lying areas, dewatering wherever required, including urban areas, officials said.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) today predicted the ensuing Cyclone Dana may make a landfall between Odisha's Puri and West Bengal's Sagar Island during night of October 24 and early morning of October 25.

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