Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for the potential landfall of Cyclone Dana, expected to develop from a low-pressure system forming over the Bay of Bengal. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the cyclone will likely intensify by October 23, with landfall projected between Puri, Odisha, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, on the night of October 24.
Key Preparations and Warnings:
Schools Closed: Odisha has announced the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure.
Evacuation Plans: Authorities are on standby to evacuate residents from vulnerable areas, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and fire services prepared for action.
Monitoring Coastal Impact: Fishermen have been advised to return to shore, and special attention is being given to energy grids and transmission towers in affected districts.
Expected Weather Conditions:
Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (above 20 cm) is forecast for districts like Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur on October 24. West Bengal’s coastal areas, including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and South 24 Parganas, are also expected to receive heavy showers starting October 23.
Wind speeds are likely to reach 100-110 km/h, with gusts of 120 km/h from the night of October 24 into the morning of October 25.
Inauguration Postponed:
Due to the impending storm, the inauguration of the Rs.450 crore passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border, scheduled for October 23, has been postponed.
Officials are closely monitoring the cyclone’s path to assess its potential impact on Bangladesh and India. Both states are coordinating efforts to ensure public safety, with evacuation measures and essential supplies ready at cyclone shelters.
