Cyclone Dana: Odisha witnesses 1,600 births as women evacuate to safety

Cyclone Dana made landfall on the Odisha coast, causing strong winds and heavy rainfall across different regions. The storm hit between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak district, with wind speeds reaching up to 110 km/h. Coastal areas are also experiencing a 1-1.5 meter storm surge along with the cyclone.

The Odisha government reported that over 5,84,888 people have been safely moved to 6,008 storm shelters. The evacuation effort included 1,600 women who gave birth after being relocated from vulnerable areas to maternity homes and healthcare centers over the past two days.

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Evacuations and medical teams

Along with the massive evacuation, the government has deployed 292 medical teams and 155 veterinary teams to provide support. The state’s chief minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, spoke with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, assuring them that Odisha is prepared to handle the effects of the cyclone.

While Cyclone Dana remains severe, it was slightly weaker than initially predicted, allowing officials to lower the number of expected evacuations from one million to around 5.8 lakh. The cyclone is still causing strong winds and heavy rains as it moves inland.