Cyclone Dana Effect in Three States:
‘Dana’ has intensified into a severe cyclone over the Bay of Bengal. As of 5:30 PM on Thursday, October 24, it was centered 100 kilometers from Paradip (Odisha), 130 kilometers from Dhamra (Odisha), and 210 kilometers from Sagar Island (West Bengal).
‘Dana’ Cyclone Makes Landfall
The cyclone ‘Dana’ made landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra in Odisha. The landfall occurred between 1:30 AM and 3:30 AM, with strong winds blowing at a speed of 110 kilometers per hour during this time. Heavy rainfall is being reported in Odisha’s Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, and Kendrapara districts. The cyclone caused trees to be uprooted in many places within the affected districts. In response to the cyclone, the Odisha government has set up rehabilitation centers. Around 600,000 people have been evacuated from high-risk zones in low-lying areas to safer locations. In West Bengal, about 350,000 people have also been moved to safe places.
Relief for North Andhra Districts as Dana Cyclone Impact Eases
With no significant impact from the Dana Cyclone on the North Andhra districts, officials and residents breathed a sigh of relief. As of 9 PM on Thursday, October 24, only light drizzles were recorded in Srikakulam district, with no heavy rains. According to Stella, the Chief Officer of the Amaravati Meteorological Center, light to moderate rainfall is expected across Andhra Pradesh over the next three days. The Disaster Management Organization’s MD, Ronanki Kurmanath, has warned fishermen not to venture into the sea until Saturday, October 26, due to rough sea conditions.
Red Alert for Four Districts in Odisha:
Due to the intensity of the Dana Cyclone, heavy rains are being reported in Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. A red alert has been issued for the districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur. The evacuation process for 1 million people from low-lying areas is ongoing, as stated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah called the Odisha Chief Minister to review the state’s cyclone preparedness. The airports in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata will remain closed until Friday morning, October 25, affecting around 100 flight services.
Heavy Rains and Strong Winds:
Southwestern Bengal experienced heavy rains accompanied by strong winds on Thursday. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state government is relocating 350,000 people from coastal areas to relief camps. She also mentioned that she would remain at the state secretariat throughout the night to monitor the situation. Due to the cyclone, the Eastern and Southeastern Railway divisions have canceled around 400 train services until the 27th of October (Sunday).
Heavy rains are also lashing Jharkhand, and an Orange Alert has been issued for the Kolhan region on Friday. Officials have warned of lightning strikes and intense winds reaching speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour.
