A severe cyclonic storm, named Cyclone Dana, is predicted to make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal on October 24-25, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Forming over the Bay of Bengal, the storm is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23.
Preparations Underway in Odisha
District administrations in Odisha, including Jajpur, are on high alert. Anvesha Reddy, Jajpur’s Collector, confirmed the setup of 26 permanent cyclone shelters and additional temporary shelters in schools. “We are fully prepared with evacuation plans and restoration work ready to begin once the storm subsides,” she stated.
Rainfall Predictions and Impacted Areas
Cyclone Dana is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall in Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and northeastern states like Assam, Mizoram, Tripura, and Meghalaya from October 24 onward. Coastal regions such as Puri, Bhadrak, and Balasore will likely experience some of the heaviest rains.
The IMD has issued warnings for very heavy rainfall across Odisha on October 25-26, with northern districts like Mayurbhanj, Sundergarh, and Balasore expected to be severely affected.
Disaster Management Forces on Standby
Both the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in vulnerable districts to assist with evacuation and post-cyclone restoration efforts. Meanwhile, the Indian Coast Guard is on high alert, with vessels and aircraft mobilized to assist in rescue operations.
School Closures and Emergency Measures
In light of the impending cyclone, the Odisha government has announced the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23-25. Additionally, officials have established 800 cyclone relief shelters and are preparing another 500 temporary shelters to house evacuees.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has set a “zero casualty” target, directing authorities to ensure the complete evacuation of at-risk residents.
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
Panic buying has led to a spike in vegetable prices in areas like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, with traders reporting increases in the prices of essentials such as potatoes, onions, and tomatoes.
Energy grids and transmission towers in affected regions are being closely monitored, and President Droupadi Murmu’s scheduled visit to Odisha has been postponed due to the cyclone.
Weather Forecast for Eastern India
As Cyclone Dana approaches, very heavy rainfall is forecasted in Tamil Nadu, coastal Andhra Pradesh, and parts of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The IMD also predicts heavy rains across northeastern states like Assam, Meghalaya, and Nagaland.
With disaster preparedness in full swing, authorities continue to monitor the storm’s progress as it heads toward India’s eastern coast.
