Bhubaneshwar, Oct 22: A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to turn into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23 as predicted by the India Meteorological Department. It is expected to reach the coasts adjoining Odisha and West Bengal by Thursaday and likely that Cyclone Dana will bring heavy rains till Friday.

Odisha Director General of Police Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi has said that the police's preparations are in place to tackle the situations arising out of cyclone 'Dana.'

IMD stated that Cyclone Dana would cross the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25.

"We are waiting for the cyclone to hit, whether it will hit Bangladesh or Odisha, our action will depend on that and preparations are in place for now," Sadangi told reporters here.

"We are trying to bring back the fishermen who have gone into the sea. By tomorrow we'll get to know the districts which will likely be affected. Our course of action will depend on that," the police official said.

Meanwhile, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has assured that the State government is fully prepared to tackle any situation arising out of Cyclone Dana.

"Zero casualties will be ensured. There is no need to panic. The government is fully prepared to tackle the situation," Majhi said after a review meeting on the state's cyclone preparedness.

"One hundered per cent evacuation will be done after identifying vulnerable areas. NDRF, ODRAF & Fire Services teams are kept ready. The government is closely monitoring the situation," Majhi said.

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