The governments of Odisha and West Bengal have begun evacuating residents from at-risk areas and have announced the closure of educational institutions as Cyclone Dana approaches. The storm is expected to make landfall along the coast in the early hours of October 25, bringing wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h. Authorities are urging residents to remain cautious and follow safety protocols as preparations intensify.
Odisha Government to Relocate Over 1 Million Residents as Cyclone Threatens State
The Odisha government is set to evacuate more than 1 million people from 3,000 villages across 14 districts in response to the approaching cyclone. News agency PTI reports that around half of the state’s population could be impacted by the storm. Relief camps are being prepared to accommodate those displaced, as officials work to ensure the safety of residents in the face of the impending weather event.
West Bengal Chief Minister Asserts Preparedness for Cyclone Dana
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has stated that her government is fully prepared to confront the challenges posed by Cyclone Dana. As the storm approaches, authorities are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.
Cyclone Dana Disrupts Train Services, Several Cancellations Announced
Cyclone Dana is impacting train operations, resulting in the cancellation of multiple services. Notably, Train No. 06087, the Tirunelveli Junction to Shalimar Special, which was scheduled to depart on October 24, has been cancelled. Passengers are advised to check for updates and alternate travel arrangements as the situation evolves.
Similarly, the train from Bhubaneswar to Rameswaram (Rmanathapuram), Superfast Express scheduled to leave Bhubaneswar on October 25 has been cancelled.
The Indian Coast Guard has announced that it is on high alert, mobilizing vessels and aircraft to ensure a swift response to any emergencies arising from Cyclone Dana. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the neighboring states of Odisha and West Bengal, prompting heightened readiness to assist in rescue and relief operations as needed.
Mrutunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department, has indicated that the entire eastern coast, stretching from Puri in Odisha to Sagar Island in West Bengal, is likely to be affected by Cyclone Dana. As the storm approaches, residents in these areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions and adverse weather conditions
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged all MLAs to collaborate closely with local administration in rescue and relief operations, as the state is expected to be heavily impacted by Cyclone Dana. He emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and support of affected residents.
Multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters, along with other facilities, have been designated to accommodate vulnerable populations during Cyclone Dana. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that arrangements are in place to provide food, drinking water, lighting, sanitation, and healthcare services for those evacuated to these shelters. The government is committed to ensuring the well-being of residents during this challenging time.
In response to forecasts from the India Meteorological Department, the Odisha government has placed 14 districts on alert, including Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, and Mayurbhanj. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and preparing for potential impacts as Cyclone Dana approaches the region.
In light of the approaching cyclone, all educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain closed in 14 districts of Odisha from October 23 to 25. This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety of students and staff as the state prepares for the storm’s impact.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced that schools will remain closed in seven districts from October 23 to 26 as a precautionary measure in response to the approaching cyclone. This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff as the state prepares for potential adverse weather conditions.
The districts in West Bengal expected to face the most significant effects of Cyclone Dana include South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur. Additionally, coastal areas and nearby districts such as Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly are also likely to experience severe weather conditions as the storm approaches. Authorities are preparing for potential disruptions and are urging residents to take precautions.
In light of Cyclone Dana, more than 150 express and passenger trains operating under South Eastern Railway have been cancelled. Affected services include the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express, and Howrah-Yesvantpur Express. Additionally, East Coast Railways has cancelled 198 trains originating from and passing through Odisha. Passengers are advised to check for updates and make alternate travel arrangements as the situation develops.
