The governments of Odisha and West Bengal are taking major steps to ensure safety as Cyclone Dana approaches, with expected landfall in the early hours of October 25. The cyclone is predicted to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
Evacuations and School Closures
In Odisha, authorities plan to evacuate more than 10 lakh people from 3,000 villages in 14 districts to relief camps. The cyclone is expected to impact a significant portion of the state’s population. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged all MLAs to assist in the rescue and relief operations.
Similarly, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has assured that the state is prepared to face the cyclone. Schools in seven districts of West Bengal, including South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, will remain closed from October 23 to 26 as a precaution. Educational institutions in Odisha’s 14 districts will also stay closed from October 23 to 25.
Train Cancellations and Coast Guard Alert
Cyclone Dana has disrupted train services, with over 150 express and passenger trains canceled in the South Eastern Railway zone. Affected trains include Howrah-Puri Shatabdi Express and Howrah-Secunderabad Falaknuma Express. Additionally, the Indian Coast Guard has mobilized vessels and aircraft to respond to any emergencies during the cyclone.
Cyclone Shelters and Relief Measures
Odisha’s government has established more than 5,000 relief centers equipped with food, water, and medical supplies. Pregnant women due for delivery in the coming weeks are being shifted to nearby hospitals to ensure their safety.
Multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters have been prepared to accommodate vulnerable populations, with provisions for sanitation, lighting, and health facilities. The state has put districts like Puri, Cuttack, and Balasore on high alert, based on forecasts by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).
Kolkata Airport Preparedness
Authorities at Kolkata airport are inspecting infrastructure and drainage systems to prepare for any situation arising from the cyclone. The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from October 23 to 25, warning of wind speeds that could reach 60 kmph along the Odisha-West Bengal coast, with potential increases thereafter.
As Cyclone Dana nears, both states remain on high alert, ready to respond to any challenges brought by the storm.