On Monday, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23 and reach the adjoining coasts of Odisha and West Bengal the following day. Cyclone Dana is likely to bring heavy rains to both the states for at least three days till Friday.
The IMD predicted that wind speeds are likely to reach 60 kmph along the Odisha-West Bengal coast from Wednesday and gradually increase to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, from October 24 night to October 25 morning. The meteorological department has also advised fishermen in coastal towns not to venture out to sea this week.
A red alert has been issued for Puri, Khurda, Ganjam and Jagatsingpur districts of Odisha on October 24, warning people to be aware of heavy to very heavy rain and lightning due to Cyclone Dana. The state government has asked schools and colleges in 14 districts of Odisha to remain closed. Remains closed from October 23 to 25
Schools will remain closed in Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khordha, Nayagarh and Cuttack districts.
The IMD has also forecast heavy rains in coastal districts of West Bengal on October 23. Rainfall alerts have been issued for Purba and Paschim Medinipur districts and North and South 24 Parganas districts.
Cyclone Dana Live Updates: West Bengal braces for Cyclone Dana
Cyclone Dana Live Updates: Local administrations in West Bengal are preparing for the impending cyclone by evacuating people from low-lying areas in the affected districts.
Ferry services in coastal areas have been suspended, and movement of tourists is being closely monitored.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant coordinated a meeting with the NDRF, SDRF and local disaster management authorities to ensure the safety of all citizens.
Officials are assessing the condition of street lights and checking for exposed power lines to prevent any risk of fire and electric shock during the cyclone.
Officials are using hydraulic ladders, cranes, loaders and dumpers to clear fallen trees and debris that could clog roads.
Cyclone Dana Live Updates: Odisha govt closes national parks
Cyclone Dana Live Updates: Odisha govt announced the closure of two national parks on Tuesday — Similipal Tiger Reserve in Mayurbhanj district and Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara district. Due to the impending cyclone,
Both Mayurbhanj and Kendrapara districts have been identified as “red zones”. Officials said both districts could suffer severe damage.
The forest department has announced that Bhitarkanika National Park and Similipal Tiger Reserve will remain closed for tourists and visitors from October 23 to 25.
The reopening date will be determined based on the prevailing situation in the area.
Cyclone Dana live report: Odisha villagers depend on mangroves for safety
Cyclone Dana Live Report: Villagers living near Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha on Tuesday expressed confidence that the rich mangrove forests will protect them from the damage of Cyclone Dana.
The park has withstood the effects of many cyclones in the past. Including the Super Cyclone in October 1999.
“We are quite hopeful that the well-protected mangrove forests here will keep humans, flora and fauna safe as these species have the potential to withstand high wind speeds,” said district forest officer Sudarshan Gopinath Yadav.
“We are quite scared. But we are hopeful that mangroves can help us once again. Coastal forests have the potential to withstand wind speeds of up to 200 kilometers per hour,” said Pradip Das, a resident of Dangamal village near the park.
Live updates on Cyclone Dana: Odisha Fire Service deploys 60 firefighting teams to prepare for cyclone.
Cyclone Dana Live Updates: Dr. Sudhanshu Sarangi of the Odisha State Fire Service told news agency ANI that 60 firefighting teams have been deployed to prepare for Cyclone Dana.
“60 teams of Odisha Fire Service, 20 teams of Odisha EMS and 17 teams of Odisha EMS will be deployed at their respective locations,” he said.
He added: “We have all the necessary equipment to carry out the rescue operation. People must prepare and follow the instructions issued by the competent authorities.”
Live updates on Cyclone Dana: More than 150 trains cancelled.
Live updates on Cyclone Dana: More than 150 express and passenger trains passing through Southeast Railway jurisdiction have been canceled from October 23 to 25, railway authorities announced on Tuesday.
Trains were canceled due to Cyclone Dana which was expected to hit the coasts of West Bengal and Orissa.
The trains that have been canceled include Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express, Kamakhya-Yesvantpur AC Express, Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express, Howrah-Bhubaneswar Shatabdi Express and Howrah-Yesvantpur Express.
Additional cancellations may occur depending on the impact of the cyclone.
