Odisha and West Bengal authorities are on high alert as Cyclone Dana heads towards the eastern coast of India. Evacuation operations are in progress, and numerous transportation services have been halted in preparation for the storm's arrival. Below are the latest developments and key points on the preparedness and progress of Cyclone Dana.
1. Landfall Expected on October 25
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Cyclone Dana will land between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha on Friday, October 25. Upon reaching land, wind speeds of up to 120 mph (75 mph) are predicted, along with anticipated heavy rainfall in specific regions of Odisha and West Bengal.
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2. every effort is being made to evacuate the area
The Odisha government's objective is to move one million people from coastal areas vulnerable to severe weather conditions. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that by Wednesday evening, only 3-4 lakh individuals (30% of the goal) had been relocated to safe shelters. In West Bengal, 114,000 people have been moved to safer places.
3. Significant disturbance to transportation by rail and air
The upcoming cyclone has caused extensive disturbances in the transportation system.
- Eastern and South Eastern Railways have cancelled over 200 trains for October 24 and 25.
- Ferry operations in the Hooghly River and the Sunderbans have been stopped to prevent mishaps.
- Multiple flights have been canceled at Kolkata Airport as airlines monitor weather updates for future action.
4. Anticipated heavy rainfall and storm surge.
Due to Cyclone Dana approaching, IMD cautions about heavy rainfall in multiple southern West Bengal regions, such as Kolkata. The storm, originating in the east-central Bay of Bengal, has grown stronger and is heading northwest towards the Odisha coast.
5. Current Position of Cyclone Dana
As of 8:30 AM on Wednesday, Cyclone Dana was located:
- 420 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha)
- 450 km south-southeast of Dhamra Port (Odisha)
500 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal)
As it moves over the northwest Bay of Bengal, the storm is expected to grow into a severe cyclonic storm.
6. Kolkata Gears Up for Emergencies
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has opened an emergency control room at its headquarters to manage any crisis caused by the cyclone. Essential staff leaves have been canceled to ensure all resources are available for disaster management.
7. Power Outage Preparedness
The Odisha Power Department has issued emergency helpline numbers to report outages or other electrical emergencies:
- Odisha Power Helpline: 8900793503
WBSEDCL (West Bengal) Emergency Line: 19221
CESC Kolkata Emergency Helpline: 1912
8. West Bengal Implements Preventive Measures
Along with evacuations, West Bengal has stopped ferry services and given warnings to coastal residents. The main priority is to minimize harm and prevent injuries as the cyclone moves further inland.
9. red. Relief and rescue operations are currently in progress
Both governments at the state level have activated disaster response teams to assist with evacuations and relief operations. Shelters have been established to provide evacuees with food, water, and medical supplies. Authorities also work with the police, fire departments, and medical services to handle emergencies.
10. IMD has released notifications for coastal areas
The IMD has announced orange alerts for various coastal districts in Odisha and southern West Bengal. Residents are recommended to remain indoors, abstain from unnecessary trips, and stay informed about weather alerts. Fishing has been banned until further notice to protect fishermen's safety.
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Conclusion
As Cyclone Dana approaches the coast, Odisha and West Bengal hurry to protect lives and property. The seriousness of the situation is evident in the evacuation efforts, train cancellations, and flight suspensions. As the landfall nears, residents are advised to stay updated via official communication channels and emergency hotlines.
