Kolkata: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) warned has warned that Cyclone Dana is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall between the Odisha and West Bengal coasts late Thursday night or early Friday morning.
The storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and possible tidal surges, prompting mass evacuations in vulnerable coastal areas.
The IMD confirmed that Cyclone Dana has been moving at a speed of 18 km/h over the east-central Bay of Bengal and will likely hit the northern coasts of Odisha and southern West Bengal. The cyclone is expected to cross between Puri and Sagar Island, near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra (Odisha), with wind speeds ranging from 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h.
Heavy rainfall is forecast for parts of Odisha, particularly in the districts of Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur, as well as Kendujhar, Jajpur, Cuttack, Khorda, and Puri. Gangetic West Bengal, including Kolkata and the districts of South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, and Bankura, are also expected to experience heavy downpours.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported that 30% of residents, approximately 3-4 lakh people, from identified danger zones had been evacuated by Wednesday evening, with the process continuing into Thursday. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that over 5,000 relief centers have been set up, and they aim to evacuate up to 10 lakh people before the cyclone makes landfall.
In preparation for the cyclone, authorities in Odisha have advised devotees to avoid visiting the Jagannath Temple in Puri and are working to minimize any potential damage to the historic 12th-century shrine.
The Indian Navy is on high alert, preparing to conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. Ships equipped with relief materials and rescue teams are on standby to assist in potential disaster areas.
Cyclone Dana’s landfall is predicted to occur between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. Heavy rainfall and a tidal surge of up to 2 meters are expected to affect coastal regions. The IMD warned of a multi-hazard situation, with severe weather conditions peaking during the landfall period.
In response to the cyclone’s approach, Kolkata airport authorities have announced the suspension of flight operations for 15 hours, starting from 6pm on Thursday, as a precautionary measure.
With Cyclone Dana expected to unleash heavy rains, winds, and tidal surges in Odisha and West Bengal, authorities are working swiftly to ensure safety. Continued evacuations, relief preparations, and the mobilisation of disaster response teams aim to mitigate the storm’s potential damage.
