Thu Jan 16 09:50:27 UTC 2025: ## Odisha Overhauls Cyclone Shelter Management After Dana Cyclone Shortcomings
**Bhubaneswar, January 16, 2025** – The Odisha government is overhauling the management of its multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters following shortcomings exposed during Cyclone Dana in 2024. The shelters, crucial for evacuating millions during cyclones, were found to suffer from issues such as non-functional toilets and power outages.
To improve upkeep and accessibility, the Revenue and Disaster Management Department is transferring responsibility for all shelters to the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water (PR&DW) Department in rural areas and the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department in urban areas. These departments will be responsible for maintenance, repairs, and ensuring accessibility for disabled individuals, adhering to Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) specifications. Funding will come from departmental budgets, supplemented by the State Disaster Risk Management Fund (SDRMF). Electricity connections will also be provided.
The School and Mass Education Department will allocate land for new shelters near schools, based on OSDMA vulnerability assessments. Local committees will oversee shelter maintenance and training of emergency response teams. The government plans to construct an additional 500 shelters to enhance disaster response capabilities. This initiative aims to address the inadequacies revealed by Cyclone Dana and ensure the effectiveness of these vital life-saving structures.
First Piper 