Odisha and West Bengal are getting ready to face Cyclone Dana. As per reports, the Cyclone is expected to hit the northern parts of Odisha and the coastlines of both states later this week. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the depression over the east-central Bay of Bengal is getting higher and is developing a cyclonic storm which is moving west-northwestward at a speed of 6 kmph. This movement will lead to landslides near Puri and Sagar Islands on October 24 night and October 25 morning as the wind speed ranges between 100-110 kmph.
Odisha has already started preparations, to tackle the after effects of the cyclone. The state government has listed out several Northern districts that have the most probability of getting hit by the cyclone. The list includes Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri. Moreover, six senior IAS officers with extensive experience in disaster management have been deployed in these districts to assist local authorities. Latest reports suggest that Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft lifted 150 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) personnel and relief material to Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
In view of danger to lives, the Odisha government has ordered the evacuation of people from vulnerable areas. Furthermore, Suresh Pujari, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, said that more than 5000 relief centers, over 800 multipurpose cyclone shelters and 500 temporary shelters in schools and colleges have been planted and they are expecting evacuation of around 10 lakh people. The shelters are equipped with basic facilities, including cooked food and medical requirements. The state has called back doctors from leave and ensured that healthcare centers are adequately stocked with essential drugs, including anti-diarrheal and anti-venom medications.
In West Bengal, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur, along with coastal areas and neighbouring districts like Paschim Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly, will be severely hit by cyclone Dana. A total of 14 NDRF teams are on standby ahead of the cyclone. Meanwhile, schools will remain closed in seven districts of West Bengal from Wednesday to Saturday.
CM of Odisha and West Bengal
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged all Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to stay in their constituencies to coordinate relief and rescue efforts. At least 20 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have already been deployed across the affected districts. The government had asked Tourists and pilgrims to evacuate Puri which has already started. Meanwhile, schools in parts of Odisha have been shut down.
In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the state government is closely monitoring the situation from the control room 24×7.
With both states on high alert, authorities hope that these proactive measures will help minimize damage and ensure the safety of residents as they prepare for the impact of Cyclone Dana.