In light of the approaching Cyclone ‘Dana,’ the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has postponed the preliminary test of the Odisha Civil Service Examination, 2023, which was originally scheduled for October 27. The decision comes as the state braces for the cyclone, expected to make landfall by October 25, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to coastal regions.

In a notice issued on Monday, the OPSC stated that the new date for the examination will be announced after seven days. Candidates have been advised to regularly check the OPSC’s official website for updates on the rescheduled exam.

“The safety and well-being of candidates are our top priorities, and we have decided to postpone the exam in view of the possible disruption caused by Cyclone Dana,” said an OPSC spokesperson.

In a related move, the Nandankanan Zoological Park, one of Odisha’s popular tourist attractions, has been temporarily closed to visitors. The zoo authorities cited safety concerns due to the impending cyclone and announced that the park will remain closed until further notice.

The state government is taking precautionary measures across various sectors as Cyclone Dana nears the Odisha coast. Besides the closure of the zoo and postponement of the exam, public safety alerts have been issued, and evacuation plans for vulnerable areas are in full swing.

Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, bringing wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, with the landfall process likely to begin on the night of October 24 and continue through the morning of October 25.