Kolkata/Digha: The state govt has issued an alert on cyclone Dana, which is likely to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island on Thursday night and Friday morning. Directives have already been sent to all block officials from the DM offices.
Cabinet secretary TV Somanathan held a meeting with chief secretaries in Bengal, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh.The state agriculture department has advised farmers to harvest their crops and protect their produce before the cyclone hits. Fishermen have been asked not to venture out to sea. Hotels have also been asked to keep tourists on alert.
Coast Guard deployed helicopters and remote operating stations at Haldia and Paradip for regular weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners. Helicopter sorties are also planned for search and rescue missions. The Coast Guard mobilised its vessels and aircraft, positioning them strategically to respond to emergency situations.
District administrations in South 24 Parganas and East Midnapore have started taking precautionary measures too. Around 50 rescue centres are being set up with relief materials in the Sagar block area. BDO Kanaya Kumar Rai is conducting a series of meetings. The administration is paying extra attention to the Ghoramara island near Sagar.
South 24 Parganas DM Sumit Gupta said: “Preparations are underway, and arrangements are being made. It will take more time to determine the extent of the impact but the administration is prepared.” The East Midnapore district administration stated that special surveillance has already begun in areas like Digha. East Midnapore DM, Purnendu Kumar Maji, said that flood centres in coastal areas are being prepared, and necessary relief materials are ready. Maji said, “The district administration is fully prepared and special attention is being paid to the condition of the sea embankments.”