As Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ intensified over the Bay of Bengal on Wednesday morning, the Odisha government ramped up evacuation efforts, mobilising 288 rescue teams across 14 districts identified as vulnerable, officials reported. These teams include 19 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) units, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) units, and 178 Fire Services units. An additional 40 teams have been deployed in affected districts to expedite rescue operations.

On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force airlifted 150 NDRF personnel and essential relief supplies to Bhubaneswar. The districts under alert include Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, and others along the coastal belt. Over 3,000 villages are considered high-risk, and evacuation of approximately 10,60,336 people is underway, intending to move them to safety before Cyclone Dana’s expected landfall on Friday. Special Relief Commissioner officials assured that all necessary precautions are in place to protect both lives and property.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana was moving northwest at 18 km/h and was centred about 560 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha, on Wednesday morning. It is forecast to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, with landfall likely between Puri, Odisha, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, by October 24-25. The IMD predicts wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h, along with heavy rainfall, particularly in coastal districts like Balasore, Bhadrak, and Puri. Fishermen have been advised to return to shore, and all marine activities remain suspended until further notice. The state government has also set up relief camps, stocked with food and essential supplies, to shelter evacuees during the storm.

As Cyclone Dana approaches the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, over 350 trains have been cancelled, causing significant disruptions across the South Eastern and East Coast Railway zones. The cyclonic storm is expected to make landfall on October 25, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and dangerous conditions across large parts of eastern India.

Some of the notable express trains affected by the cancellations include:

  • Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express
  • Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express
  • Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express
  • Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express
  • Howrah-Yesvantpur Express

The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has announced the cancellation of 198 trains in anticipation of the cyclone, which is expected to impact the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal from October 23 to 26. Key express services such as the Howrah-Secunderabad Express, New Delhi-Bhubaneswar Express, and Puri-New Delhi Express have been suspended to ensure the safety of passengers.

Below is a partial list of trains affected by the cyclone:

  • Train No. 17016: Secunderabad to Bhubaneswar (23rd October)
  • Train No. 12840: Chennai Central to Howrah (23rd October)
  • Train No. 12868: Puducherry to Howrah (23rd October)
  • Train No. 22826: Chennai Central to Shalimar (23rd October)
  • Train No. 12897: Puducherry to Bhubaneswar (23rd October)
  • Train No. 12881: Shalimar to Puri (24th October)
  • Train No. 20823: Puri to Ajmer (24th October)

These cancellations, stretching from October 23 to October 26, reflect the severity of Cyclone Dana, with wind speeds forecasted between 100-120 km/h along the coastline. As the storm advances, railways are prioritizing passenger safety, urging those who had planned to travel to stay updated via railway portals and helplines.

Impact on Local Infrastructure

Schools in Odisha and West Bengal have also been closed across various districts as part of precautionary measures. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the cyclone will primarily affect coastal areas from Puri in Odisha to Sagar Island in West Bengal. With heavy rain and strong winds expected, emergency teams are on high alert to respond to potential damages.

The railways, in coordination with local authorities, are continuously monitoring the situation, and additional cancellations or route diversions may occur depending on how the cyclone progresses. Passengers are encouraged to check the latest updates for any changes to their travel plans.

Preparing for Cyclone Dana

As the cyclone moves closer, the government and disaster management teams are working on mitigating its impact. Evacuations are already in process, and officials are ensuring that emergency services are in place for rapid response. In anticipation of widespread power cuts and flooding, both states are bracing for a challenging few days.

For those with pending travel plans, it is advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement, especially in vulnerable coastal areas.