Cyclone Dana is making its presence felt with strong winds and heavy rain affecting the coastal regions of Odisha. Both Odisha and West Bengal have been placed on high alert, prompting state governments to initiate large-scale evacuation efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
In Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported that by Wednesday evening, approximately 30% of the estimated 10 lakh residents at risk had been relocated to secure shelters. Meanwhile, West Bengal has successfully evacuated 1,14,000 people to safety.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that Cyclone Dana could reach wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour, with landfall expected between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port along Odisha’s coast on the morning of October 25. In response, both states have launched extensive rescue and evacuation operations, focusing on relocating residents from 14 vulnerable coastal districts to cyclone shelters and other safe areas.
The impact of Cyclone Dana is also being felt in West Bengal, where the IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall. Several districts, including Kolkata, North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Midnapore, are anticipated to experience intense downpours, leading to potential waterlogging and flood-like conditions. As a precaution, the West Bengal administration has begun evacuating residents from flood-prone areas.
The impending cyclone has caused significant disruptions in transportation services. The South East and East Railways have canceled over 170 trains scheduled for October 24 and 25 as a precautionary measure. Additionally, air services at Kolkata Airport will be suspended from 6 PM on October 25 until 9 AM on October 26 to ensure public safety during the cyclone’s landfall.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 56 teams across Odisha and West Bengal to manage the emergency situation. These teams are stationed in areas expected to be most affected by the cyclone and are prepared for rescue operations as needed. The Indian Coast Guard has also deployed ships and aircraft to respond to any emergencies at sea, aiming to minimize loss of life and property as Cyclone Dana approaches.
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, all educational institutions in both Odisha and West Bengal have been closed. Schools and colleges in 14 districts of Odisha and seven districts of West Bengal will remain shut until October 25. The administrations in both states have placed all essential services on high alert to provide immediate assistance if critical situations arise.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, both states are taking precautionary measures to safeguard their citizens.
