The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone, with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port by Friday morning.
![[Cyclone Dana] Orissa High Court To Remain Closed For Two Days](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-13-1.png?resize=820%2C461&ssl=1)
Bhubaneswar: On Wednesday (Oct 23): The Orissa High Court will remain closed on Thursday and Friday due to the cyclonic storm Dana, as per a notification.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone, with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port by Friday morning.
“In light of the impending natural calamity, the severe cyclonic storm Dana, the court and its offices will remain closed on October 24 and 25,” stated the notification issued by the High Court’s registrar (judicial) on Wednesday.
In lieu thereof the High Court has declared November 30 (Saturday) and December 7 (Saturday) as working days.
“In partial modification to Court’s earlier notification No. 1476 dated 7.12.2023 it is hereby further notified that in view of the upcoming natural calamity i.e. severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ the functioning of the Court and offices of the High Court shall remain closed on 24.10.2024 & 25.10.2024 and in lieu thereof 30.11.2024 (Saturday) are declared as Court working days. The Calendar of the High Court stands modified accordingly,” reads a notification issued by the Orissa High Court on Wednesday.
In a related development, Puri Collector Siddharth Shankar Swain urged devotees to refrain from visiting the 12th-century Jagannath Temple over the next two days due to the cyclone.
Odisha, located on India’s eastern coast, is frequently affected by tropical cyclones due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal.
The state has witnessed numerous cyclones over the years, with the most devastating ones reshaping its disaster management practices.
Key Cyclones in Odisha’s History:
Cyclones Bulbul (2019) and Amphan (2020): Although these cyclones made landfall further north, Odisha still faced significant impact, including the evacuation of thousands from coastal regions
1999 Super Cyclone: The deadliest cyclone in Odisha’s history, with wind speeds exceeding 220 km/h, claimed around 10,000 lives and caused extensive damage. This tragedy highlighted the need for better disaster preparedness.
Cyclone Phailin (2013): An extremely severe cyclone that led to the evacuation of nearly 1 million people. It demonstrated significant improvements in Odisha’s disaster management strategy.
Cyclone Titli (2018): A severe storm that caused heavy rains, flooding, and landslides, emphasizing the importance of flood management alongside cyclone preparedness.
Cyclone Fani (2019): A rare summer cyclone that hit Puri and Bhubaneswar with immense force, affecting over 12 districts and causing widespread damage to infrastructure and livelihoods. However, the state managed to evacuate 1.5 million people within 24 hours, minimizing casualties.
After the 1999 disaster, the state revamped its disaster response mechanisms by establishing the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). The state now has over 879 multi-purpose cyclone shelters designed to withstand severe storms. With improved coordination, technology, and early warning systems, Odisha has become a global benchmark for disaster management
