Odisha is gearing up to face the cyclonic storm Dana that is likely to cross the Odisha-Bengal Coast by Thursday night and Friday morning.

The cyclonic storm, likely to take the shape of a severe cyclonic storm, is likely to make landfall along north Odisha and Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar islands by Thursday night and Friday morning (October 24-25.).

The state government is also planning to evacuate all the tourists and devotees from Puri, keeping the impending cyclonic storm. The state government has urged those “outsiders” staying in Puri to leave Puri before the cyclonic storm makes landfall.

The Director-General Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that Odisha was likely to face the wrath of cyclonic storm Dana.

“It’s likely to cross between Puri and Sagar islands by Thursday night and Friday morning. This is the most probable track of the cyclonic storm, The coastal districts of Odisha are likely to witness heavy rain.”

The government is taking all the precautionary steps to face any eventuality arising out of the cyclone and it has cancelled the Leaves of its employees due to the impending cyclonic storm and asked them not to leave the headquarter.

Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi took a review meeting of the state’s preparedness. The district collectors have been empowered to declare holiday schools in their respective areas.

Majhi said: “As per the IMD, the severe cyclonic storm will pass between Puri and Sagar islands of Bengal. We are working on a zero-casualty mission. Direction has been issued to provide uninterrupted power to the hospitals. We will not allow the hoarding of essential commodities..”

Odisha chief secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed the cabinet secretary TV Somanathan on the state’s preparedness to face the cyclone.

Revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said: “The state government is taking all required steps in advance to face any eventuality and minimise the impact of the cyclonic storm. We appeal all tourists and devotees to leave Puri. From Tuesday onwards, we urge devotees not to visit Puri. Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Forces (ODRF) have already left the fields. National Disaster Response Force and Fire Service Officials on alert. The Centre will send choppers to us and all of them will be positioned here by Wednesday.”

“Fifteen thousand registered trawlers have already returned from sea. Meanwhile, all efforts are on to bring the fishermen who are still in the mid-sea,” Pujari said.