Farmers Relieved as Cyclone ‘Dana’ Leaves No Impact in Kakatpur
Kakatpur | 26/10
Report: Tushar Dixit
Cyclone Dana had little to no impact on the Kakatpur block of Puri district. The cyclone only brought light drizzle to the region. There was some rainfall on Thursday night, and again during Friday afternoon and evening, but no heavy downpour occurred. As a result, no waterlogging was observed in any area.
Having experienced several severe cyclones in the past, the residents of Kakatpur were initially fearful of the cyclone’s possible impact. Even though the weather department had predicted that the cyclone wouldn’t directly hit Puri district, warnings were issued for heavy rainfall and strong winds.
In response, the Kakatpur block administration had made full preparations for cyclone relief. However, neither strong winds blew nor did trees fall. Some families, especially in low-lying and thatched houses in Khallua and surrounding areas, had been temporarily moved to shelters, but due to the absence of intense rain or wind, they returned to their homes shortly after.
Interestingly, the cyclone brought joy to local farmers, particularly those cultivating betel leaves, paddy, and vegetables. The light rainfall from the cyclone acted as a blessing. Prior to the cyclone, a lack of rain had caused the paddy fields to crack and dry up. The gentle showers revived the parched fields, restoring hope to the farmers.
Additionally, despite fears of power cuts during the cyclone’s landfall, electricity services remained uninterrupted in the Kakatpur electrical subdivision. Grateful for the continued supply, local consumers expressed their thanks to SDO Smruti Ranjan Behera and engineer Kahnu Charan Behera.
Had strong winds struck, betel leaf plantations would have collapsed and paddy crops nearing harvest would have been completely ruined. But with no major damage anywhere in the Kakatpur block due to Cyclone Dana, both farmers and the general public have expressed great relief and happiness.
