Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: With Cyclone Dana set to make landfall on October 25, both Odisha and West Bengal are on high alert. The cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, and heavy rainfall. Authorities have begun mass evacuations and closed educational institutions in vulnerable areas. Train services have also been heavily disrupted.
Top 10 Updates on Cyclone Dana:
1. Indian Coast Guard on High Alert: The Coast Guard has mobilised vessels and aircraft to respond to emergencies as Cyclone Dana is expected to bring torrential rain and high winds to Odisha and West Bengal.
2. IMD Director General Speaks: Mrutunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), stated that the entire eastern coast, from Puri in Odisha to Sagar Island in West Bengal, is likely to be impacted by the cyclone.
3. Odisha CM Urges Cooperation: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called on all MLAs to coordinate with the administration to ensure effective rescue and relief efforts.
4. Shelters and Relief Arrangements in Place: Multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters have been identified for the vulnerable population. These shelters are equipped with food, water, sanitation, lighting, and health facilities, according to Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari.
5. Districts on High Alert in Odisha: The Odisha government has placed 14 districts, including Puri, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Cuttack, on high alert based on IMD forecasts.
6. Schools Closed in Affected Districts: In Odisha, educational institutions in 14 districts will remain closed from October 23 to 25, while in West Bengal, schools in seven districts will close from October 23 to 26 as a precaution.
7. West Bengal Areas at Risk: Districts in West Bengal expected to experience the cyclone’s most significant effects include South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur.
8. Over 150 Trains Cancelled: More than 150 express and passenger trains running through South Eastern Railway jurisdiction have been cancelled, including the Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express and the Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express.
9. Fishermen Warned to Stay Ashore: The IMD has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 23 to 25, warning that wind speeds could reach 60 kmph along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal.
10. Pregnant Women Evacuated: Authorities have prepared a list of pregnant women expected to deliver soon, relocating them to hospitals to avoid complications during the cyclone.
Massive Evacuations Underway
The Odisha government is planning to evacuate over 10 lakh people from 3,000 villages to relief camps. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also assured that her state is prepared to face the cyclone, with thousands already being moved to safety. More than 5,000 relief centres have been set up with modern facilities to ensure water, food, and medicine for those affected.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata airport is preparing for potential disruptions, with infrastructure checks and drainage system maintenance already underway. Authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of residents in the path of Cyclone Dana.
