Cyclone Dana Approaches: Evacuations and Preparations Underway in Odisha and West Bengal
Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm forming over the Bay of Bengal, is set to make landfall tonight, October 24, or in the early hours of October 25, along the eastern coast of India. The storm is expected to bring with it high-speed winds, heavy rainfall, and widespread disruption in the states of Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities are on high alert, and large-scale evacuations have been initiated to protect residents from the storm’s devastating impact.
Evacuations and Disaster Preparedness
Ahead of Cyclone Dana’s arrival, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been working tirelessly in Odisha’s coastal districts, including Kendrapara and Mahakalpada. The NDRF has been conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns using loudspeakers to ensure that residents are informed about the approaching cyclone and the necessary precautions they need to take. Many people have already moved to cyclone shelters voluntarily, while others are being escorted to safety by police officers. These efforts are part of a broader evacuation plan designed to relocate nearly 1 million people from vulnerable areas in Odisha alone.
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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has been closely monitoring the situation. He confirmed that over 30 percent of the targeted population had been safely evacuated by Wednesday evening. The remaining individuals are expected to reach safer locations by Thursday morning, ensuring minimal exposure to the dangerous storm. The Chief Minister reassured the public that all possible measures are being taken to safeguard the lives of those living in the storm’s path.
West Bengal, which is also likely to be severely affected, has similarly begun mass evacuations. According to officials, more than 1.14 lakh people have already been moved to safer shelters. In the coastal districts of West Bengal, the threat of Cyclone Dana looms large, with the storm likely to bring torrential rain and strong winds to the region.
IMD Alerts and Weather Warnings
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has been issuing regular updates on the cyclone’s path and intensity. Director of IMD Manorama Mohanty revealed that Cyclone Dana has been moving northwestward at a speed of 12 km/h, gaining strength as it progresses. The cyclone, which intensified into a severe cyclonic storm late Wednesday night, is currently positioned over the central and north-western Bay of Bengal. According to the IMD’s forecast, Dana is expected to make landfall between midnight tonight and the early hours of October 25, with wind speeds between 100 and 110 km/h and gusts of up to 120 km/h.
The IMD has issued an ‘orange alert’ for several districts in both Odisha and West Bengal, indicating the likelihood of heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coming days. In the Kolhan region of West Bengal, which includes the districts of West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan, and East Singhbhum, rainfall is expected to reach between 115 mm and 204 mm within a 24-hour period.
Parts of Jharkhand are also expected to feel the effects of the storm, with heavy rain likely from Thursday night. While Jharkhand is not directly in the cyclone’s path, the storm’s impact will extend far enough inland to cause significant disruption in the state.
Disruption of Air Travel and Sea Activity
As a precaution, flight operations in several major airports in Odisha and West Bengal have been suspended. The Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, Odisha’s capital, will remain closed for 16 hours, from Thursday evening until Friday morning. In Kolkata, the airport will suspend flight operations for 15 hours, from 6 p.m. Thursday to 9 a.m. Friday, to ensure the safety of passengers, airline staff, and infrastructure.
Ports along Odisha’s coast have also hoisted the “Great Danger” signal, warning of the severe conditions expected in the next 24 hours. Fishing boats have been ordered to return to shore, and all maritime activities have been halted until the storm passes. Cyclone Dana’s landfall is expected to occur between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, both of which are located in Odisha’s coastal region.
Government Response and Public Safety Measures
Both the state governments of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as India’s central government, are fully mobilized to handle the cyclone’s potential fallout. NDRF teams are on standby in both states, prepared to respond to emergencies as soon as they arise. Additionally, the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are on high alert and ready to provide rescue and relief operations.
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In West Bengal, Governor CV Anand Bose expressed solidarity with the people, urging them to remain calm and follow the guidelines issued by disaster management authorities. “We have faced many storms in the past, and we will face this one with confidence and patience,” said Governor Bose. “Please adhere to all instructions and stay safe. Together, we will overcome this crisis.”
The state governments have been working round the clock to ensure that all necessary resources, from food supplies to medical aid, are available at evacuation centers. In Bhadrak, one of Odisha’s most vulnerable districts, police officers are assisting in evacuating residents who are hesitant to leave their homes, ensuring that everyone reaches safe shelter before the storm hits.
Cyclone Dana’s Expected Impact
As Cyclone Dana moves closer to India’s eastern coast, it is expected to unleash heavy rains, strong winds, and potentially life-threatening storm surges. The IMD has warned that the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal could experience widespread flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Additionally, tidal surges driven by high winds could worsen the situation along the coastline, putting thousands of homes at risk.
In Odisha, districts like Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore are bracing for extreme weather conditions, with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 120 km/h and extremely heavy rainfall expected during landfall. The IMD has predicted that it will take around four to five hours for the full landfall process to unfold, during which time the region will experience the most severe effects of the cyclone.
Conclusion
As Cyclone Dana inches closer to India’s eastern coast, the states of Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for impact. With large-scale evacuations underway and government agencies on high alert, both states are preparing for what could be one of the most significant storms of the year. While the cyclone poses a serious threat, the coordinated efforts of disaster management teams, state governments, and local authorities aim to minimize its impact and protect the lives of millions of people in its path.
The next 24 hours will be crucial as the cyclone approaches land, bringing with it the full force of nature. Authorities continue to urge residents in affected areas to stay indoors, follow safety instructions, and remain in contact with local disaster response teams. With strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding expected, it is a time for caution, preparedness, and solidarity as India braces for Cyclone Dana.