Indus Valley Times

By Pravakara Sahoo & Nalini Sahu

Paradip/ Bhubaneswar, Oct. 28: Demonstrating remarkable resilience and preparation, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) navigated the challenges of Cyclone Dana, ensuring both operational safety and community welfare amid heavy rains and fierce winds. Guided by PPA chairman P.L. Haranadh, a proactive response plan was implemented to safeguard port facilities and support local residents.

In preparation for the cyclone’s arrival, PPA swiftly cleared drains across both the township and harbour areas, preemptively mitigating waterlogging risks. Four specialized teams, equipped with chainsaws and loaders, operated tirelessly to clear roads blocked by fallen trees, ensuring essential movement remained unhindered.

Operational Safety Measures Taken on Land and Sea

With Cyclone Dana forecasted, PPA took immediate measures, halting all incoming vessel traffic by noon on October 22 and completing outgoing movements by late October 23. By the morning of October 24, construction areas were evacuated, while anchored vessels and crucial Coast Guard crafts moved out to sea. Onsite tugs and equipment were secured, ready for any necessary maneuvers, ensuring that Paradip Port’s maritime operations remained protected.

Across the port, equipment and machinery were secured at multiple berths, with loaders, cranes, and gangways fastened down. Key installations, including the North and South Oil Jetties, were reinforced, while pipelines at the Single Point Mooring (SPM) were flushed as a final precautionary step.

Support for Local Communities and Fishermen

To protect residents in low-lying areas, PPA activated seven cyclone shelters, housing around 2,000 people and providing essentials like sanitation facilities, food, drinking water, and uninterrupted power through generators. Additional support was extended to 20 trawlers from neighboring states, offering food to stranded fishermen.

Two control rooms were operational around the clock at strategic locations within the port, overseeing the coordination of activities and maintaining constant communication. Additionally, a medical team and ambulance were on standby to address any emergencies.

Chairman Mr Haranadh, along with his team, visited the port facilities and shelters, monitoring safety protocols and supporting affected individuals as per the port’s Standard Operating Procedures. With its swift response and robust preparation, PPA ensured that Paradip Port and its communities weathered Cyclone Dana with safety and security at the forefront.