The cyclone wreaked havoc on hundreds of thatched homes, leaving many either partially or completely destroyed. The powerful winds slammed fishing boats into rocks, wrecking vital equipment and endangering the livelihoods of many fishermen. Additionally, tidal surges and relentless rain inundated thousands of acres of farmland, affecting paddy crops that were in the crucial flowering stage.

In response to the calamity, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a high-level review meeting, urging district collectors to submit detailed damage assessments within seven days. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the cyclone hit the coast around 12:05 a.m., continuing to impact the area through Friday afternoon. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and fire services have launched extensive rescue and recovery efforts, focused on clearing blocked roads, restoring power, and reopening access to essential services.

Director General of Fire Services, Sudhansu Sarangi, reassured the public that restoration work was well underway, particularly in the heavily impacted areas of Kendrapara’s Pattamundai, Rajakanika, and Rajnagar; Balasore’s Soro, Baripada, and Khaira; and Bhadrak’s Chandbali, Dhamnagar, and Basudevpur. Partial damage was also reported in Jagatsinghpur’s Kujang area. “We are fully equipped to handle the situation,” Sarangi stated, expressing optimism about the pace of recovery operations.

As Cyclone Dana weakens to a depression, Odisha’s focus has shifted toward rebuilding and supporting those whose lives and livelihoods were upended by this natural disaster.

The post Cyclone Dana Leaves Destruction Across Odisha’s Coast: Homes, Crops, and Livelihoods Damaged appeared first on Vizag One.

Authorities have ramped up disaster preparedness efforts, and in response to the severe weather, the Railways has announced the cancellation of around 350 train services across the affected regions. These cancellations include express and passenger trains, with key services connecting Visakhapatnam to Howrah and Chennai among those impacted.

Meteorological Officer Srinivas from the Visakhapatnam cyclone warning centre confirmed that Cyclone Dana is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. With wind speeds expected to reach between 100-110 km/h, and gusts exceeding 120 km/h, residents of north-coastal AP, Yanam, and Rayalaseema should brace for significant thunderstorms and heavy rainfall, particularly on October 25.

The IMD’s forecast for the next five days includes thunderstorms with lightning in isolated locations. As Cyclone Dana makes landfall, there is a risk of flooding and lightning strikes, making it crucial for residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions, especially in vulnerable areas.

To support travelers affected by the train cancellations, helplines have been established at various railway stations, including Visakhapatnam, Vizianagaram, Srikakulam, and Rayagada. Passengers can receive real-time updates on train services by calling the following helplines: 08912746330, 08912744619, 8712641255, and 7780787054.

As the region braces for Cyclone Dana’s impact, the authorities continue to monitor the situation closely to ensure the safety of residents and mitigate any potential damage.

The post Cyclone Dana Approaching: Heavy Rainfall Warning Issued for Coastal AP and Yanam, 350 Trains Cancelled appeared first on Vizag One.