Cyclone Dana Approaches Odisha-Bengal Coast; NDRF deployed, Evacuations Underway Ahead of Landfall

Cyclone Dana Approaches Odisha-Bengal Coast; NDRF deployed, Evacuations Underway Ahead of Landfall

Cyclone Dana, a deep epression over the Bay of Bengal has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is now moving towards the coast of Odisha and Bengal. The storm is predicted to make landfall between Bhitarkanika Park and Dhamra Port.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), districts in Odisha such as Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore are expected to experience the most severe effects of the cyclone. Wind speeds may reach 100-120 km/h, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rainfall. A storm surge of about one meter above the astronomical tide could lead to flooding in low-lying areas within Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

In West Bengal, heavy rainfall is anticipated in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly. The IMD has issued a red alert for these areas, warning of extremely heavy rain on October 24 and 25.

The latest IMD report confirms that Cyclone Dana, categorized as a severe cyclonic storm, is moving north-northwest at a speed of 15 km/h. At 11:30 PM on October 23, the storm was located about 330 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha. It is expected to cross the coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h.

Flight operations at Kolkata International Airport will be suspended for approximately 15 hours, starting at 6:00 PM today until 9:00 AM on Friday. Bhubaneswar Airport will also halt operations for 16 hours, from 5:00 PM today to 9:00 AM on October 25.

Train services have been significantly affected, with the Eastern Railway cancelling 190 local trains in West Bengal and the South Eastern Railway cancelling over 150 express and passenger trains in Odisha from October 23 to 25. The East Coast Railway has also cancelled 198 trains affecting routes in Odisha.

Emergency preparedness measures are in place, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on standby in both Odisha and West Bengal. Rescue units from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are also ready to respond to any emergencies.

Ferry services in the Sunderbans area and across the River Hooghly in Kolkata will be suspended due to the impending severe weather. People residing near the coastal regions have been evacuated and have been moved to relief camps in the wake of the storm by both the Bengal and Odisha governments.

In West Bengal, the Raj Bhavan has established a 24/7 control room to handle emergencies related to Cyclone Dana, with contact details available for the public. In addition, the Kolkata Police has issued helpline numbers to assist those in need.

The name Dana, which means "generosity" in Arabic, was given to the storm by Qatar, following the tropical cyclone naming convention set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).​