Cyclone Dana News: As Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ approaches the Odisha-West Bengal coast, the Odisha government has shifted its focus to ensuring “100 per cent evacuations” from vulnerable areas. The storm is expected to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and 25, bringing wind speeds of 100-120 kmph. In preparation, authorities are urging tourists and pilgrims to leave the coastal town of Puri by Wednesday morning.

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has also advised people to avoid visiting Puri on October 24 and 25, given the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast that the town may be heavily impacted. Puri, home to the famous Lord Jagannath temple, typically draws large crowds of pilgrims, but the cyclone’s threat has prompted officials to prioritize public safety.

In anticipation of the cyclone, schools in 14 coastal and nearby districts—including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagargh and Cuttack districts —have been ordered to remain closed from October 23 to 25. The IMD has yet to confirm the exact landfall location, but multiple forecast models suggest the storm could hit northern Odisha, potentially triggering heavy to very heavy rainfall in coastal and northern regions.

What is the forecast? 

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall across the coastal and northern regions of Odisha. The IMD has issued warnings about potential flash floods, with rainfall projections ranging from 7 to 20 cm, and certain areas potentially receiving more than 20 cm. Districts like Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur are anticipated to face the most significant impact.

Odisha and West Bengal ramp-up preparations 

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a review meeting on Monday to assess the state’s preparedness. “The government is fully prepared to face the situation. I appeal to the people not to panic. We aim to ensure zero casualties… All vulnerable areas will be identified, and we will ensure 100 per cent evacuation from there,” Majhi said.

At the national level, Union Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan chaired a meeting of the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) to review preparations for the cyclone, which was attended by the chief secretaries of Odisha and West Bengal. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has positioned 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 teams in Odisha, ready for immediate deployment.

Bhadrak District Collector Dilip Routrai assured residents that the administration is fully prepared for Cyclone Dana. “Although the IMD has yet to specify the exact landfall location or intensity, we expect wind speeds to reach up to 110 km/h during the cyclone,” Routrai said. He added that, as of now, no warnings have been issued for Bhadrak on October 22, but a yellow warning is in place for October 23. The administration is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of the district’s residents and is ready to respond swiftly if conditions worsen.

In addition, rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard, as well as ships and aircraft, have been put on alert. Regular updates and advisories are being sent to key ports such as Paradip and Haldia.

To ensure safety, the Odisha government has readied over 800 multipurpose cyclone shelters equipped with electricity, food, and water. Chief Minister Majhi has also directed that essential services like electricity, water supply, and telecommunications be restored quickly in the aftermath of the storm. Emergency teams from the ministries of power and telecommunications are on standby to ensure the swift recovery of these services.