The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has raised an alert as Cyclone Dana intensifies and is set to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to Odisha and West Bengal. The storm, which began as a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to strengthen into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. It is projected to make landfall between the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal during the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25. Both states are bracing for three days of heavy rain and high-speed winds, expected to persist until Friday, October 25.
Severe Cyclonic Storm and Heavy Rainfall Expected
The IMD has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea between October 23 and 25, as wind speeds are anticipated to reach 60 km/h by Wednesday, gradually increasing to 100-110 km/h, with gusts up to 120 km/h by the night of October 24. The system is “very likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm,” the IMD stated.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) is predicted for coastal districts in both states, with isolated areas likely to experience extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm). Specific regions in Odisha, including Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur, are on red alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms on October 24.
West Bengal and Odisha Brace for Impact
In West Bengal, the IMD forecast significant rainfall in the coastal districts of Purba and Paschim Medinipur, North and South 24 Parganas, and Jhargram on October 23. Heavy rains are also expected in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purulia, and Bankura districts on October 24 and 25.
As a result of the impending cyclone, the inauguration of a Rs 450 crore modern passenger terminal at Bengal’s Petrapole, on the Indo-Bangladesh border, scheduled for October 23, has been postponed. Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu’s planned three-day visit to Odisha from Wednesday has been delayed due to the cyclone’s anticipated landfall.
The Odisha government has taken steps to ensure the safety of tourists and residents. Tourists in the coastal town of Puri have been urged to leave before the storm hits. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a complete evacuation from vulnerable areas and has directed authorities to stock food, drinking water, and medical supplies in cyclone shelters. “The state government is fully prepared to face the eventuality,” Majhi reassured, urging the public not to panic.
Extensive Preparations Underway
Majhi emphasized that the state aims for “Zero Casualty” during Cyclone Dana, and has issued instructions to restore essential services such as road communication, telecommunications, and electricity in affected areas as quickly as possible. The district collectors of Puri and Jagatsinghpur have been tasked with ensuring that fishermen return to shore before the cyclone strikes. Currently, 11 fishermen from these two districts are still at sea.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that Odisha will likely be hit hardest by the cyclone, with high-speed winds and torrential rain expected. The IMD has issued an orange warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts. A yellow warning has been issued for areas including Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, and Dhenkanal, where heavy rain and thunderstorms are also expected.
Rescue Operations Mobilized
Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) has already been deployed to vulnerable areas, with National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams arriving on October 22. Additionally, fire service personnel are on standby, ready to assist in rescue and relief efforts.
“The rescue and relief teams will be stationed in vulnerable areas before the cyclone hits,” Pujari said. The central government has also allocated a helicopter to assist in rescue operations, which will be available by October 23.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan during a video conference, assuring that the state is prepared for the cyclone. In West Bengal, similar measures are being taken, with heavy rainfall predicted for Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and Jhargram districts on October 24 and 25.
As both Odisha and West Bengal brace for Cyclone Dana, the IMD continues to monitor the situation closely, providing real-time updates on the storm’s path and intensity.
