Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, has formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to make landfall along the Odisha coast tonight. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone will bring winds reaching 100-120 km/h, with the impact likely to extend across both Odisha and West Bengal. The storm is set to make landfall near Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, placing both states on high alert. Authorities have already begun evacuations and suspended transportation services in preparation for the storm’s arrival.
Government Preparedness: Odisha’s Action Plan
The Odisha government has taken comprehensive measures to face the incoming cyclone. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo emphasized that the administration is fully equipped to manage the crisis, with all relevant departments working together. “Every department, including the Chief Minister’s office, is closely monitoring the situation on the ground,” he said, expressing confidence in the state’s readiness.
Odisha Fire Services Director General Sudhanshu Sarangi further highlighted the extensive preparation, stating that 182 teams, consisting of around 2,000 personnel, are on standby to respond to emergencies.
Mass Evacuations in Progress
Odisha has already begun mass evacuations, with more than 3 lakh people relocated by Wednesday evening. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported that over 30% of the targeted 10 lakh people have been moved to safety as the cyclone approaches. “Three districts—Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore—are expected to be severely impacted,” he said, adding that the evacuation process would continue throughout the night. The aim is to relocate 90% of the population at risk by Thursday morning, in time for the anticipated landfall early Friday.
IMD Predicts Intense Winds and Heavy Rainfall
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Dana will cross the Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island, with landfall beginning late Thursday night and continuing into Friday morning. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of IMD, said the maximum wind speeds could reach 120 km/h during this time, which would cause widespread damage in coastal areas. Both Odisha and West Bengal are likely to experience heavy rainfall and high tidal waves, potentially leading to flooding in vulnerable regions.
Suspension of Flights and Rail Services
In preparation for Cyclone Dana, flight and train services have been suspended across affected areas. Operations at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport will be halted for 16 hours starting Thursday evening. Similarly, flights at Kolkata airport will be suspended for 15 hours beginning at 6 pm on Thursday. Rail services in Odisha and West Bengal are also disrupted, with 190 local trains cancelled by the Eastern Railway to ensure public safety.
West Bengal Steps Up Evacuations
West Bengal has also initiated large-scale evacuation efforts, with over 1.4 lakh people moved to safety from vulnerable areas such as Sagar Island, the Sundarbans, and Kakdwip. An additional 2.8 lakh people will be evacuated from districts including Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, North and South 24 Parganas, Paschim and Purba Medinipur, and Kolkata. Authorities in West Bengal have urged tourists in coastal areas such as Digha, Shankarpur, and Tajpur to remain indoors and avoid the sea as a precaution.
Disaster Relief Forces Deployed
Both Odisha and West Bengal have stationed multiple battalions of disaster relief personnel to manage the cyclone’s aftermath. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 56 teams across five states—Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh—focusing particularly on areas expected to face heavy rainfall and potential flooding. Odisha has 20 NDRF teams in place, with one held in reserve, while West Bengal has 17 teams, with 13 on standby.
Coastal Precautions and Fishermen’s Warnings
The Indian Coast Guard has also been put on high alert, and fishermen have been advised not to venture out into the sea during the cyclone. Authorities are ensuring that all boats are docked safely and that coastal communities remain on high alert for possible storm surges.
States Brace for Impact
With Cyclone Dana expected to bring powerful winds and heavy rainfall, both Odisha and West Bengal have taken extensive measures to mitigate its effects. The success of these efforts will depend on the speed of evacuations, the coordination of disaster relief forces, and the public’s adherence to safety warnings. As the cyclone approaches, both states remain on alert, prepared for the storm’s potentially devastating impact.
(With inputs from agencies)
