Cyclone Dana made landfall on the Odisha coast 24th October 2024 / today, causing widespread disruption. The cyclone, which intensified into a severe cyclonic storm last night, has led to the suspension of flight operations at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports until tomorrow as a precautionary measure.
According to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Cyclone Dana is expected to move north-northwestward and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coast between Puri and Sagar Island. The cyclone’s impact is already being felt, with wind speeds reaching 60-70 km/hr along the coast. These speeds are expected to increase further, reaching 100-120 km/hr later today and into tomorrow.
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra added, “The cyclone will bring heavy rainfall, and winds will reach speeds of 100-120 km/hr along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal starting tonight and lasting through tomorrow morning.”
Odisha on High Alert, Massive Evacuation Underway
As Cyclone Dana approaches, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Shri Suresh Pujari has issued a high alert in 13 districts, warning that the next 48 hours will be critical. Over 10 lakh people are being evacuated to 6,500 relief centers across the state.
“The cyclone will bring up to 20 cm of rainfall and wind gusts of up to 150 kmph, with districts like Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara expected to bear the brunt. NDRF, ODRAF, and fire department teams are on high alert, with food, shelter, and medical facilities prepared for those displaced,” Pujari stated.
He reassured the public, saying, “We are fully prepared to tackle the situation. I urge everyone to stay safe, remain calm, and cooperate with authorities during this challenging time.”
Precautions and Government Preparedness
The Odisha government is closely monitoring the situation. Citizens are advised to evacuate low-lying areas and avoid venturing outside. Special attention is being given to the elderly, children, and pregnant women, many of whom have already been relocated to hospitals and safe zones. Pujari also advised people to let their animals roam free in safe areas and not tie them up, as arrangements for their care have been made by the Animal Husbandry department.
“Once the cyclone subsides, we will ensure a safe return for evacuees and provide adequate compensation for those affected. The administration is fully engaged, and relief efforts are in full swing,” Pujari assured.
Stay tuned for further updates as the cyclone progresses.
Prasanta Patnaik