The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall along the Odisha-West Bengal coast this week. Forming over the east-central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, the storm is predicted to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds on October 23 and 24.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra noted that Cyclone Dana could intensify into a “severe cyclonic storm,” with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. In response, local authorities are ramping up preventive measures, urging residents of Odisha and West Bengal to prepare for the impending storm.
About Cyclone Dana
Named after Saudi Arabia, Cyclone Dana is one of the storms identified in the World Meteorological Organization’s naming system for the North Indian Ocean. The name “Dana” translates to “generosity” or “bounty” in Arabic.
The IMD has reported that a low-pressure area is likely to form over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining north Andaman Sea within the next 24 hours. It is expected to move west-northwest and develop into a depression by October 22, before evolving into a cyclonic storm by October 23.
Heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated, particularly in parts of Odisha, with some coastal areas possibly receiving up to 20 cm of rain on October 24 and 25. Forecasts suggest rainfall could escalate to between 20 to 30 cm, and exceed 30 cm in localized regions.
Although the exact landfall location remains uncertain, major weather models indicate that it may strike Odisha’s Puri district. The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy rain in Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts. Squally winds of 40-50 km/h, gusting up to 60 km/h, are expected to begin on the evening of October 23. Wind speeds may escalate to 100-110 km/h, with gusts potentially reaching 120 km/h from the night of October 24 through the morning of October 25.
Additionally, an orange alert has been issued for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands due to heavy rainfall, while yellow alerts are in effect for several other states, including Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa.
Government Preparations
Given the frequency of cyclones in Odisha, authorities are taking the threat seriously. A high-level meeting chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja assessed the situation, emphasizing the priority of zero casualties during the disaster. Administrative machinery in coastal districts is on high alert, with cyclone shelters being prepared.
Special Relief Commissioner Deoranjan Kumar Singh stated that pregnant women due to deliver in the next 15 days will be transferred to hospitals by October 22. Residents and tourists are warned against visiting coastal areas during the cyclone, and emergency response teams are on standby.
Marine fishermen have been advised to secure their vessels, while cyclone shelters in coastal villages are being prepared for evacuations from vulnerable areas. The National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) are also on standby, ready to respond to any emergencies.
As the cyclone approaches, officials are making early preparations, ensuring that generators, fuel, and water tankers are secured and medical facilities are equipped with anti-venom for snake bites.
Residents remain vigilant; Arabinda Mandal, a former sarpanch of Jamboo, expressed the community’s concern about the cyclone’s potential ferocity, saying, We are not taking any chances. We are praying for safety.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, the full extent of its impact remains uncertain, but thousands may be affected by the storm.
