Cyclone Dana is inching closer to the coast of Odisha and West Bengal, bringing with it heavy rainfall and high-speed winds, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone, which has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday, with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph).
The storm is currently positioned 280 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha) and 370 km south-southeast of Sagar Island (West Bengal) as of Thursday morning. Several districts in both states, including Kolkata, are already experiencing moderate to heavy rainfall as the cyclone approaches.
Heavy Rainfall and Wind Alerts
The IMD has issued warnings of gale winds reaching speeds of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph over the northwest Bay of Bengal. These wind speeds are expected to increase further to 100-110 kmph gusting up to 120 kmph as the cyclone makes landfall.
The affected districts in West Bengal, including North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly, are likely to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on Thursday and Friday. Coastal Odisha will also see intense rainfall and strong winds, potentially disrupting daily life.
Evacuations and Transportation Disruptions
In preparation for the cyclone’s landfall, both Odisha and West Bengal governments have launched large-scale evacuation efforts. So far, over 1.14 lakh people have been evacuated from cyclone-prone zones in West Bengal, while more than 3 lakh people have been evacuated in Odisha. The evacuation process is expected to continue throughout Thursday.
Public transportation in and around Kolkata may be severely affected starting Thursday evening, with Eastern and South Eastern Railways canceling numerous train services in anticipation of the cyclone.
Fishermen Advised to Avoid the Sea
The IMD has strictly warned fishermen against venturing into the sea due to the hazardous weather conditions. Gale winds and rough seas will prevail over the northwest Bay of Bengal until the cyclone passes.
IMD Director’s Statement
IMD Director Manorama Mohanty told ANI, “Cyclone Dana has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving at a speed of 12 km/h. It will make landfall between midnight today and early morning of October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching 100-110 km/h.”
Authorities are urging residents in the affected regions to stay indoors, avoid travel, and follow safety instructions as the cyclone moves closer to land.