Khordha, Oct 23: With Cyclone Dana approaching Odisha and predicted to make landfall in the early hours of October 25, the state government has made elaborate arrangements to counter the effects of cyclone.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal from October 24 to 26 at isolated places over Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsingpur Kendujhar, Jajpur, Cuttack and Dhenkanal, Khorda and Puri districts of the state.

Khorda District Fisheries Officer (Biology and Technology) spoke about preparations taken by the government.

Manoranjan Dash, District Fisheries Officer (Biology and Technology), said that fisherfolk have been advised to not venture out into the sea.

"We have informed all the fishermen regarding cyclone guidelines of Odisha government. They have been advised not go inside Chilika Lake till October 26," he said.

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

Balugaon NAC (Notified Area Council) Executive officer spoke to ANI about the preparedness by Khordha District Magistrate and House and Urban Development Department.

Balugaon NAC Executive officer Pran Nath Seth said are taking all possible measure to tackle the impact of cyclone Dana.

"As per the direction of Khordha Distrct Magistrate and House and Urban Development Department we have taken every possible measure to tackle cyclone Dana. We are warning all the people not to visit Chilika during the cyclone. We have cleaned all drains to avoid waterlogging. We are ready to face the cyclone", he said.

The Assistant Register Cooperative Society (ARCS) of Chilika said the safety of the fishermen society is important to the state government.

ARCS of Chilika, Udayakar Behera said, "We have alerted all the fishermen in the society by writing to them that they should avoid going to Chilika Lake during the cyclone. The safety of fishermen is our top priority....", he said.

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

(ANI)

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