Cyclone Dana is intensifying as it nears the Odisha and West Bengal coasts, with landfall expected between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port early on Friday. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted wind speeds of up to 120 km/h and heavy rainfall across several states, triggering evacuation measures for nearly 1.5 million residents in vulnerable areas.
Landfall Timing: Cyclone Dana is forecasted to land on the night of 24 October, continuing into the morning of 25 October. The IMD estimates the landfall process will take approximately 5-6 hours.
Evacuations: A staggering number of over 300,000 people have already been evacuated from coastal regions in Odisha, with further evacuations underway. The state government is working tirelessly to relocate about 1 million residents from 14 districts, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Weather Alerts: A red alert has been issued for seven districts in Odisha, while West Bengal and Jharkhand are also on high alert. Heavy to weighty rainfall is expected, especially in Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Jajpur districts.
Government Response
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken proactive measures by convening high-level meetings to ensure the state’s preparedness, emphasizing the goal of zero casualties during the cyclone. Relief teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are on standby, ready to respond to affected areas, providing a sense of reassurance to the public.
Impact on Transportation
Flight operations at Bhubaneswar airport will be suspended for 16 hours starting Thursday evening, and train services have also been severely disrupted as the cyclone approaches.
Expected Conditions
In addition to strong winds, Cyclone Dana is expected to bring a tidal surge of up to 2 meters, creating a multi-hazard scenario for coastal communities. Heavy rainfall has already begun impacting parts of Odisha, with reports of blocked roads in several districts.
Residents are urged to stay indoors and comply with evacuation orders as Cyclone Dana approaches. With authorities working around the clock to minimize the storm’s impact, it’s crucial that everyone follows these orders to ensure their safety and the safety of others, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
