Cyclone Dana made landfall shortly after midnight in the early hours of 25th October 2024 as a severe cyclonic storm (with a wind speed of 100 KMPH to 110 KMPH) between Bhitarkanika and Dhamara in Kendrapada and Bhadrak districts of Odisha state, India. About 8,317 villages in 107 blocks and 426 wards of 31 urban local bodies were impacted. More than 180,000 Hectares of standing crop was damaged, and over 6 lakh people were evacuated by the state administration and sheltered in 6008 cyclone safe shelters.
The Chief Minister of Odisha declared over 35.95 lakh people in 14 districts of the state have been affected by Cyclone Dana and flash flood. The lives and livelihoods of marginalised families such as fisherfolks, daily wage workers, informal workers, small and marginal farmers was severely impacted by this crisis. Women, often the primary caregivers, face increased burdens due to the loss of homes and livelihoods. The destruction has compounded their challenges with material losses, heightened risks to their health & safety, and disrupted economic activities.
OUR RESPONSE
ActionAid India responded swiftly to the humanitarian crisis caused by Cyclone DANA by providing critical support to affected communities. Relief Efforts included Dry Rations and Hygiene Kits, Shelter Support (Tarpaulin sheets), Sanitatary kits (including mosquito net, water-purifying tablets, sanitary napkins, soaps, buckets, mugs, LED torch, clothes for women, and other necessary items)
ActionAid Odisha State Office with long-standing presence in Odisha (since 1999, super cyclone) positions us as key advocates for resilient disaster preparedness and inclusive community response mechanisms. Before the cyclone’s landfall, we proactively coordinated with the local administration, raising awareness among communities about the approaching danger. We worked tirelessly to evacuate residents from low-lying areas and unsafe structures to cyclone shelters, ensuring their safety.