Cyclone Dana Update: 20 NDRF teams in Odisha and 14 in West Bengal are on standby, while educational institutions have been closed. The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Odisha’s Puri and Bengal’s Sagar Island on Thursday evening.
Summary:
– Over 150 trains canceled as Odisha and Bengal prepare for Cyclone Dana.
– Evacuations are in progress, and schools are closed in high-risk areas.
– The cyclone is expected to make landfall in Odisha’s Puri and Bengal’s Sagar Island on Thursday evening.
Odisha and West Bengal are gearing up for Cyclone Dana, which is likely to hit Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal between Thursday night and Friday. Both states have initiated evacuations from cyclone-prone areas. Rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), are already on the ground, and schools in vulnerable regions have been closed.
Over 150 trains under the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction have been canceled due to the approaching storm, according to PTI.
The deep depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal intensified into Cyclone Dana around 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday. It is currently located about 560 km from Odisha’s Paradip and 630 km from Sagar Island, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The cyclone is expected to strengthen into a severe storm by Thursday morning, with landfall likely between Odisha’s Puri and West Bengal’s Sagar Island between Thursday night and Friday morning. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 100-110 km/h, with gusts up to 120 km/h.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra warned that Odisha is expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone, experiencing heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Here are the key developments as Odisha and West Bengal brace for Cyclone Dana:
-NDRF Teams: A total of 20 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams in Odisha and 14 in West Bengal are on standby.
Additional Rescue Teams: The Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, along with ships and aircraft, are prepared for rescue and relief operations.
Ports on Alert: The Odisha government has raised Distance Cautionary (DC-I) signals at three major ports—Gopalpur, Paradip, and Dhamara—in anticipation of the cyclone.
Coast Guard Preparedness: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is on high alert with personnel and assets ready for assistance. Helicopters and remote stations in Haldia (West Bengal) and Paradip (Odisha) are broadcasting weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners.
Odisha’s Preparations: Apart from the 20 NDRF teams, the state has deployed 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams and 178 fire service teams in vulnerable areas. Over 10 lakh people from 3,000 villages across 14 districts are set to be relocated to relief camps. Cyclone shelters, flood shelters, and other buildings have been identified to house evacuees.
West Bengal’s Response: The state has put seven districts, including South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur, on high alert. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed a 24×7 control room to monitor the situation. Schools in seven districts will remain closed from Wednesday to Saturday.
Train Cancellations: Over 150 trains, including major services like the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express and Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, have been canceled as a precaution.
Relief Measures in Odisha: Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that over 5,000 relief centers with provisions for water, food, milk, and medicine have been established. The state anticipates around 10 lakh people to be evacuated.
School Closures: Educational institutions in 14 districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapara, will remain closed from Wednesday to Friday.
Ecological Hotspot Closures: The Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj and Kendrapara districts, respectively, have been closed as both districts are in cyclone “red zones.”
