Cyclone Dana aftermath: Odisha focuses on restoration, flash floods in Balasore

Odisha government focuses on post-cyclone restoration efforts, prioritizing crop and infrastructure rehabilitation for affected residents.

After successfully managing Cyclone Dana with zero-casualty goal, the Odisha government is now focused on restoration efforts following significant destruction to crops, thatched houses and public infrastructure.

The cyclone made landfall on Friday (October 25, 2024) but has since weakened into a low-pressure system over northern Odisha.

"The well marked low pressure area over north Odisha persists. It is likely to weaken further and become insignificant during next 12 hours," the IMD said at 6.30 p.m. of Saturday (October 26, 2024).

Many villages in Balasore and Bhadrak districts are facing flash floods due to intense rainfall, prompting the Odisha Fire Service to rescue stranded residents.

The Balasore district administration has urged those living near the Budhbalang River to shift to relief camps, as water levels have risen to 7.84 metres - above the warning level of 7.21 metres and danger level of 8.13 metres.

State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the government is prioritising the restoration of facilities and rehabilitation for affected residents, particularly farmers.

Assessments of house and crop damages will begin once the rains stop. Electricity has been restored in about 90% of the 2.24 million households in affected districts, he added.