India's eastern states are in a state of high alert as Cyclone Dana approaches, which is expected to make landfall within the next 24 hours. Approximately 1.5 million residents from Odisha and West Bengal are being evacuated to safety in response to the impending storm. Initiatives for disaster relief are being launched with thousands of workers deployed to mitigate damage. As the cyclone gathers strength, rail and air transport services are already being disrupted.
India Takes Precautionary Measures as Cyclone Dana Approaches East Coast
India Takes Precautionary Measures as Cyclone Dana Approaches East Coast
With Cyclone Dana on track to make landfall, India initiates one of its largest evacuations in history.
Authorities from India’s weather department have reported that the cyclone originated from a depression over the Bay of Bengal and is anticipated to escalate into a severe storm by Thursday evening. Wind speeds could reach anywhere between 100 to 120 kilometers per hour (approximately 62 to 74 miles per hour) when it makes landfall.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has indicated that the state has made comprehensive preparations for the safety of its people in districts most likely to be affected. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful,” Majhi reassured the public, emphasizing the need for caution during this critical time.
In Odisha, evacuations are being carried out from 14 districts, while West Bengal is expecting to relocate over 300,000 individuals from coastal areas. Local officials and rescue operations are on high alert, and schools within these regions have been ordered closed.
Transportation disruptions are already being felt as flight operations from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata are suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning, and over 200 trains have been canceled. Fishermen in the region have also been warned not to venture into the sea, and contingency measures have been established to safeguard Paradip port in Odisha.
Weather forecasts predict "heavy to very heavy" rainfall along the coast over the next day, a recurring concern in a region that regularly experiences severe storms and cyclones. Past cyclones have had devastating consequences; for instance, a cyclone in 1999 claimed more than 10,000 lives in Odisha. Following a similarly destructive cyclone last year, which resulted in at least 16 fatalities across India and Bangladesh, authorities are keen to minimize risks associated with Cyclone Dana.
Stay updated on this developing situation by following reliable news sources for the latest on Cyclone Dana's progression and impact.
Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has indicated that the state has made comprehensive preparations for the safety of its people in districts most likely to be affected. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful,” Majhi reassured the public, emphasizing the need for caution during this critical time.
In Odisha, evacuations are being carried out from 14 districts, while West Bengal is expecting to relocate over 300,000 individuals from coastal areas. Local officials and rescue operations are on high alert, and schools within these regions have been ordered closed.
Transportation disruptions are already being felt as flight operations from Bhubaneswar and Kolkata are suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning, and over 200 trains have been canceled. Fishermen in the region have also been warned not to venture into the sea, and contingency measures have been established to safeguard Paradip port in Odisha.
Weather forecasts predict "heavy to very heavy" rainfall along the coast over the next day, a recurring concern in a region that regularly experiences severe storms and cyclones. Past cyclones have had devastating consequences; for instance, a cyclone in 1999 claimed more than 10,000 lives in Odisha. Following a similarly destructive cyclone last year, which resulted in at least 16 fatalities across India and Bangladesh, authorities are keen to minimize risks associated with Cyclone Dana.
Stay updated on this developing situation by following reliable news sources for the latest on Cyclone Dana's progression and impact.
