Odisha Closes Jagannath and Konark Temples Ahead of Cyclone Dana's Landfall

Odisha Closes Jagannath and Konark Temples Ahead of Cyclone Dana’s Landfall

In preparation for Cyclone Dana, the Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark have been closed as a safety measure, according to an order from the Archaeological Survey of India. This decision aims to prevent any incidents caused by the approaching cyclone.

Cyclone Details

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that Cyclone Dana will make landfall along Odisha’s coast between Bhitarkanika Park and Dhamra Port from the night of October 24 to the morning of October 25. Wind speeds are expected to reach between 100-110 km/h, with gusts potentially hitting 120 km/h during the cyclone’s landfall.

Impact on Schools and Public Services

In light of the impending cyclone, schools in several districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh, and Cuttack, will remain closed. The Odisha government has also announced the closure of two ecological hotspots: Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district and Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district.

Additionally, over 150 trains operating under the South Eastern Railway have been cancelled due to Cyclone Dana. This includes popular routes such as the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express and the Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express.

Emergency Preparedness

To ensure public safety, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 20 teams in Odisha and 14 teams in West Bengal, ready to respond to emergencies. The Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have also prepared additional rescue and relief teams, along with ships and aircraft on standby.

Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, stated that over 5,000 relief centers have been established, equipped with modern facilities to provide essential supplies such as water, food, milk for children, and medicines for the injured.

Conclusion

As Odisha braces for Cyclone Dana, the closure of significant temples, schools, and the cancellation of train services highlight the state’s proactive measures to safeguard its residents. The government continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to provide necessary assistance.