The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an alert regarding the potential development of a cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, which may form into Cyclone Dana by October 23. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of October 24.
Odisha’s Director General of Police, Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi, has stated that the police are fully prepared to handle any emergencies resulting from the cyclone. He mentioned, “We are closely tracking the storm’s path, and whether it will impact Odisha or Bangladesh. Our response will be determined based on the cyclone’s trajectory, but all necessary preparations are already in place.”
Sadangi also noted that efforts are being made to bring back fishermen from the sea. By tomorrow, more details on the districts that may be affected will be available, which will guide the next steps.
Key updates on Cyclone Dana:
- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has confirmed that the state is well-prepared to address the challenges posed by Cyclone Dana.
- A comprehensive evacuation plan is in place for vulnerable areas, with the NDRF, ODRAF, and fire service teams on standby.
- The districts of Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak are expected to be the hardest hit by the cyclone.
- Agricultural officers and district collectors have been advised to ensure preparations are in place to drain any floodwaters quickly.
- Energy grids and emergency transmission towers in potentially affected areas are under close supervision.
- Cyclone shelters are being stocked with essential supplies and commodities.
- The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall (7 to 20 cm) with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall (above 20 cm), thunderstorms, and lightning in districts like Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur on October 24.
- Special Relief Commissioner DK Singh has instructed the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to 25 as a precaution.
- Heavy rainfall is also predicted for West Bengal’s coastal areas, including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, and North and South 24 Parganas on October 23.
- The inauguration of the ₹450 crore modern passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border, initially scheduled for October 23, has been postponed due to the cyclone threat.
