Cyclone ‘Dana’: Will the Mohan Government Overcome the Challenges?

Bhubaneswar : Severe Cyclonic Storm Dana will challenge Odisha’s new government led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. As Odisha’s first BJP CM, Majhi faces a test in managing the disaster and ensuring public safety. People will compare his response to the successful cyclone management of his predecessor, Naveen Patnaik.

Patnaik’s government efficiently handled cyclones, minimizing damage and saving lives. Majhi’s leadership in coordinating evacuations, protecting infrastructure, and providing relief will set the tone for his administration’s disaster management policies.

Cyclone Dana Forecast

Various international agencies predict Cyclone Dana will make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island on October 24. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coast reaching 60 km/h on October 23, rising to 120 km/h by the night of October 24. Odisha, West Bengal, and Jharkhand will experience heavy to very heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving over 30 cm of rain.

The most affected districts in Odisha are Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur, with Orange Warnings issued for Kendrapara, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati. Districts under Yellow Warning include Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, and others. These areas should prepare for waterlogging, landslides, and disruptions.

Government Preparedness for Cyclone Dana

The government has initiated several pre-cyclone measures, including evacuating vulnerable areas, stockpiling emergency supplies, securing infrastructure, and activating response teams. Farmers have been advised to harvest mature crops, secure livestock, and store hazardous materials safely. These efforts aim to minimize loss of life and damage.

Naveen Patnaik’s Legacy

Naveen Patnaik’s government set a benchmark in disaster management. Notably, during Cyclone Fani in 2019, 1.5 million people were evacuated in 24 hours, and 1.2 million people were sheltered during Cyclone Phailin in 2013. Odisha has faced 10 major cyclones in two decades, including Phailin (2013), Fani (2019), and Yaas (2021), with Patnaik’s leadership saving countless lives.

Odisha’s disaster management model has received national and international recognition, including the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction Award (2019) and the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration (2020).

Cyclones in Odisha: A History

The 1999 Super Cyclone, which claimed 10,000 lives, remains a grim reminder of the past. Since then, Odisha has improved its disaster response. Cyclone Phailin in 2013 caused 23 deaths, while Cyclone Titli in 2018 led to 77 fatalities. Cyclone Fani in 2019 affected 1.65 crore people. The state’s efficient evacuation and relief measures during Bulbul (2019), Amphan (2020), and Yaas (2021) further demonstrated Odisha’s disaster management prowess.

A Test for Mohan Majhi’s Government

The current government under CM Mohan Charan Majhi has inherited a robust disaster management infrastructure built by Naveen Patnaik. This includes an experienced bureaucracy, Odisha Disaster Management Authority (ODMA), and cyclone shelters. However, coordinating disaster response may face initial hurdles due to leadership changes. The central government, under Prime Minister Modi, is expected to provide full support, ensuring resources to handle Cyclone Dana’s challenges.