A powerful cyclonic storm, Cyclone Dana, made landfall in Odisha, India, between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra shortly after midnight on October 24, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region. In preparation for the storm, authorities evacuated thousands of people, including at least 2,338 pregnant women, who were safely admitted to hospitals for medical care.

Successful Evacuation Efforts:

One expectant mother, Sai Swopna Behera, was evacuated to Niali Hospital in Cuttack district, where she gave birth to a healthy baby boy amidst the storm preparations. Both mother and newborn are reported to be in good health. The Odisha Information and Public Relations Department confirmed the successful delivery, highlighting the effectiveness of the evacuation efforts.

To ensure public safety, the Odisha government deployed:

• 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams

• 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams

• 220 fire tender teams

• 158 police units across all districts

• Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji oversees the response efforts.

The cyclonic storm brought:

• Wind speeds reaching up to 110 kmph

• Heavy rain across the state

• Uprooted trees reported in coastal districts

• Increased wind speed in Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur districts

Umashankar Das, senior scientist at Bhubaneswar's meteorological center, states:

• Wind speeds expected to reach 120 kmph during landfall

• Landfall process to last approximately four to five hours

• Continuous surveillance by Doppler weather radar at Paradip

Precautions and Preparations:

The authorities' swift response and evacuation efforts ensured the safety of vulnerable individuals, including pregnant women. The successful delivery at Niali Hospital demonstrates the effectiveness of these measures.

As Cyclone Dana continues to affect Odisha, residents are advised to follow evacuation orders and safety guidelines to minimize risks. The government's preparedness and response efforts aim to mitigate the storm's impact and ensure public safety.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)