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Cyclone Dana, a tropical cyclone currently over the Bay of Bengal, is predicted to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and make landfall in Odisha between Thursday night and Friday morning. The storm, named after the Arabic word for “generosity” by Qatar, is expected to generate wind speeds of 100-110 kmph with gusts reaching 120 kmph. This powerful storm has prompted authorities in Odisha and West Bengal to initiate extensive preparations, including evacuations and safety measures, to minimize potential damage and casualties.
The impact of Cyclone Dana is expected to be felt most acutely in Odisha, with districts like Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Kendujhar, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khorda, and Puri predicted to experience light to moderate rainfall with extremely heavy rainfall in isolated areas. While Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore are anticipated to be hit hardest, other coastal and inland districts are also expected to experience significant rainfall. In West Bengal, heavy rainfall is anticipated in isolated areas of South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura districts.
In response to the impending cyclone, the Odisha government has initiated a large-scale evacuation effort, moving over a million people from vulnerable areas. The state has identified over 3,000 villages across 14 districts, primarily along the coastal belt, and initiated evacuation procedures. The government has assigned nine districts to nine ministers to oversee relief and rescue operations on the ground. The second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika National Park, is expected to be directly impacted by the landfall, with authorities taking precautions against potential crocodile movement and snake infestations.
The cyclone has also disrupted travel plans, with flight operations at Kolkata Airport being suspended from 6 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25. Over 300 trains have been canceled, and Eastern Railway has suspended all local train services from Sealdah station from 8 pm on Thursday until 10 am on Friday. Tourist attractions like the Nandankanan Zoo, State Botanical Garden, Similipal Tiger Reserve, and Bhitarkanika National Park have also been closed to the public. These measures are being taken to ensure the safety of passengers and visitors during the cyclone's passage.
Source: Cyclone Dana FAQs: As Odisha, Bengal brace for landfall, all you need to know about the storm