Odisha CM praises ASHA worker for helping rescue elderly woman during cyclone evacuation

The Asha worker Sibani Mandal Mandal, hails from Khasmubndsa village in Kendrapara district's Rajnagar block

In a statement on Friday, the Chief Minister's Office said, "Mandal carried an elderly woman on her shoulders to a cyclone shelter during the evacuation. CM Majhi praised her dedication and promised to provide her with a house and other necessary assistance."

As Cyclone Dana made landfall in Odisha, Chief Minister Majhi took stock of the situation in the the State and said it was "safe," with no casualties reported due to their "teamwork."

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, CM Majhi said that eight lakh people had been evacuated so far and that restoration of electrical wires was underway. He also noted that officials were facing challenges due to continuous rain.

"Odisha is safe now. After the landfall of the cyclone, I reviewed the situation, and thanks to teamwork, we achieved zero casualties. We evacuated eight lakh people. Many relief centres are still open. Restoration of electric lines is ongoing, though continuous rain is posing challenges. Crops across 1.75 lakh hectares have been damaged, and the Budhabalanga River is flooded but flowing below the danger level," he said.

The Odisha CM also highlighted the deployment of 158 platoons of police for security in cyclone-affected areas. "I thank everyone working tirelessly. They will need to continue their efforts for another 48 hours," he said.

Odisha Deputy CM KV Singh Deo also emphasised that there have been zero casualties, with 90 percent of electricity infrastructure restored.

"There have been zero casualties, though one cattle loss was reported. Restoration work is ongoing, with 90 percent of damaged electricity lines restored. All government officers have done their work diligently, and we have instructed them to submit their damage reports," he said.

According to the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is likely to weaken into a depression within the next 12 hours.

"It is expected to move nearly westward across north Odisha and weaken gradually into a depression in the next 12 hours. The system is under continuous surveillance by the Doppler weather radar at Paradip," the IMD stated on X.

Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard has mobilised 11 ships, 5 aircraft, and 14 Disaster Relief Teams to tackle challenges and carry out relief and rescue operations in affected areas.

In a post on X, the Indian Coast Guard said, "As Cyclone Dana makes landfall, @IndiaCoastGuard has mobilised 11 ships, 5 aircraft, and 14 Disaster Relief Teams (#DRTs) to tackle the challenges ahead. Focused on immediate assistance and search & rescue, our teams are ready to ensure community safety. So far, no loss of life or property reported at sea."

Cyclone Dana struck the Odisha coast on Friday, uprooting trees, snapping power lines in several areas, and resulting in one death in West Bengal. The storm made landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph. (ANI)