Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state’s preparedness for Cyclone ‘Dana’ today during a high-level meeting at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office. Addressing the media afterward, Majhi reassured citizens not to panic, emphasizing that all departments are fully equipped to tackle the impending cyclone. “You are in safe hands,” he said, urging the public to stay vigilant and safe until the danger has passed.
As part of the government’s proactive approach, ministers have been assigned to closely monitor the situation in various districts. After attending the cabinet meeting, they immediately departed for their respective regions. Experienced officers have also been deployed to support these efforts, according to the Chief Minister.
Evacuation operations are being conducted on a war footing, especially in districts most at risk from the cyclone. So far, 30 percent of residents in danger zones have been safely relocated to cyclone shelters, with the evacuation drive expected to continue throughout the night. The Chief Minister projected that 90 percent of people in these areas will be evacuated by 11 a.m. tomorrow.
“We have ensured that all necessary arrangements, including the distribution of dry food and cooked meals, are in place for those staying in cyclone shelters,” Majhi said, reinforcing the government’s readiness to support those affected.
Majhi highlighted that Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Puri districts are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone. However, he added that the state is prepared to respond swiftly if the storm’s trajectory shifts and affects other districts.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who was present at the meeting, accompanied the Chief Minister, along with the Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Special Relief Commissioner, and Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister. Senior officials, including the Director General of Police and principal secretaries of key departments, also attended the meeting. District collectors from cyclone-prone areas briefed the Chief Minister on their preparedness via video conference.
Following the meeting, Majhi visited the Emergency Control Room of the Special Relief Commissioner, where he reviewed satellite data and evaluated the state’s emergency communication systems.
