Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination postponed in view of impending cyclonic storm 'Dana'

The Odisha Public Service Commission, on Wednesday, announced, "The Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination - 2023-24, scheduled for October 27, has been postponed in view of the impending Cyclonic Storm Dana. The new exam date will be notified after seven days."

With Cyclone Dana approaching Odisha and expected to make landfall in the early hours of October 25, the state government has made extensive preparations to mitigate the cyclone's impact.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal from October 24 to 26, with isolated locations in Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsingpur, Kendujhar, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khorda, and Puri districts expected to be affected.

Khorda District Fisheries Officer (Biology and Technology), Manoranjan Dash, spoke about the government's preparations, stating that fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea.

"We have informed all fishermen about the cyclone guidelines issued by the Odisha government. They have been advised to avoid entering Chilika Lake until October 26," he said.

According to the IMD, Cyclone Dana is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the early morning of October 24. It is expected to cross the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island, near Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha), between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.

Pran Nath Seth, Executive Officer of the Balugaon NAC (Notified Area Council), discussed the preparedness measures taken by the Khordha District Magistrate and the Housing and Urban Development Department.

"As per the direction of the Khordha District Magistrate and the Housing and Urban Development Department, we have taken all possible measures to tackle Cyclone Dana. We are warning people to avoid visiting Chilika during the cyclone. We have also cleaned all drains to prevent waterlogging. We are fully prepared to face the cyclone," he said.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in both Odisha and West Bengal have been put on standby. Additionally, rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have been placed on high alert. (ANI)