As Odisha and West Bengal are bracing for a severe cyclonic storm, governments of both states started evacuating people and while deciding to close educational institutions in vulnerable areas.
With half of Odisha’s population likely to be affected by the impending cyclone that could cross the east coast, the state government has planned to shift over 10 lakh people from 3,000 villages in 14 districts to relief camps, according to an official statement.
IMD DG Mrutunjay Mohapatra said that the entire eastern coast from Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island West Bengal coast is likely to be impacted by the impending cyclone Dana.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged all the MLAs to coordinate with the administration in rescue and relief operations in Odisha, which is likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone.
Districts such as Angul, Puri, Nayagarh, Khordha, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Ganjam and Mayurbhanj are on alert
A deep depression over east-central Bay of Bengal intensified into cyclonic storm 'Dana' on Wednesday morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The storm is likely to move in a northwestward direction, intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25 with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, the IMD added.
The system lay 560 km southeast of Paradip and 630 km south-southeast of Sagar Island at 5.30 am, it said.
Advising fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 23 to 25, the Met warned that wind speed is likely to reach 60 kilometres per hour (kmph) along and off Odisha-West Bengal coasts from October 23 and gradually increase to 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph, from October 24 night till October 25 morning.
(PTI)
MLA Manas Kumar Dutta interacts with fishermen during inspection of the Bahabalpur Jetty area ahead of cyclone Dana landfall, in Balasore district, Odisha, Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024.
Puri: Fishing community people prepare to leave the coast in preparations for Cyclone Dana, in Puri, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Fishermen shift their boats in preparations for Cyclone Dana, in Puri, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Puri: Fishermen shift their boats in preparations for Cyclone Dana, in Puri, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024.
Parts of Kendrapara and Bhadrak districts in Odisha experienced rain and adverse weather conditions on Wednesday afternoon with the Indian Meterological Centre (IMD) saying that the outer bands of Cyclone ‘Dana’ has begun to affect the eastern coastline.
Senior IMD scientist Umashankar Das posted on X, "According to radar data from Paradip, the outer band of Cyclone ‘Dana’ has touched the land mass in Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts."
He clarified that while the cyclone is around 500 km offshore, its outer bands, composed of clouds, can influence local weather conditions.
The IMD said Cyclone ‘Dana’ is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port, a distance of around 70km, early Friday.
In response to the cyclone's movement, the Odisha government has expedited evacuation efforts in the coastal districts of Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Balasore, Puri and Jagatsinghpur.
The latest IMD bulletin forecast light to moderate rainfall—between 7 cm and 11 cm—at isolated locations in Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Puri, Jajpur and Cuttack.
Via PTI
The preliminary test of the Odisha civil service examination, 2023, has been postponed in view of the impending cyclone Dana, which will hit the Odisha coast by October 25.
According to a notice issued by the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC), the preliminary examination, which was scheduled to be held on October 27 has been postponed and a fresh date will be notified after seven days.
The OPSC has advised the candidates to visit its official website for further information.
Meanwhile, the Nandankanan Zoo and State Botanical Garden here will also remain closed for visitors on October 24 and 25 in view of the impending cyclone.
Earlier, the authorities had closed Similipal Tiger Reserve and Bhitarkanika National Park for tourists from October 23 to 25.
Via PTI
The NDRF has deployed a total of 56 teams in five states, including Odisha and West Bengal, in view of cyclone 'Dana', which is expected to make landfall along the Odisha coast between October 24 and 25.
The sun sets at Dhamra port, before the landfall of cyclone 'Dana', in Bhadrak district, Odisha, Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024.
Trawlers tied to dock in view of cyclone 'Dana', which is expected to make landfall in Odisha, at Chandipur beach in Balasore, Odisha, Wednesday, Oct 23, 2024.
Officials of the River Traffic Police and Disaster Management Group (DMG) make announcements on the banks of the Hooghly river ahead of Cyclone 'Dana' landfall, in Kolkata, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Cyclonic storm 'Dana', formed over east-central Bay of Bengal on Wednesday, is set to bring heavy rainfall in several southern West Bengal districts, including Kolkata, the IMD said.
Eastern and South Eastern railways cancelled a large number of trains on October 24 and 25, in view of the cyclone.
The storm is likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal and make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
The Kolkata airport authorities decided to suspend flight operations for 15 hours from 6 pm on Thursday in view of the possible impact of cyclone Dana, an official said.
The step was taken keeping in mind the safety of passengers, airline employees, various equipment, navigational aids and infrastructure, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) official said on Wednesday.
“In view of cyclone Dana's impact on the coastal region of West Bengal, including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend the flight operations from 6 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25 due to predicted heavy winds and heavy to very heavy rainfall at Kolkata,” an AAI spokesperson said.
The IMD said that the cyclone is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in neighbouring Odisha early Friday. The maximum speed during the landfall process is likely to be around 120 kmph.
As Cyclone Dana barrels toward the Odisha coast, threatening to impact nearly half of the state's population, the government is racing against time to execute a massive evacuation plan aimed at relocating about 10 lakh people in several coastal districts to safety.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who reviewed the state government's preparedness, however, said that only 30 per cent of the people, or around 3-4 lakh people living in the identified 'danger zone', have been evacuated by Wednesday evening.
"The remaining people will be brought to safety by 11 am on Thursday," he said.
IMD took to X (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "It is very likely to move northwestwards and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara (Odisha) during mid-night of 24th to morning of 25th October, 2024 as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph."
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said more than 30 per cent of the targeted 10 lakh people have been evacuated to safe places by Wednesday evening in view of cyclone Dana that barrels toward the state's coastal region, threatening to impact nearly half of its population.
He reviewed the government’s preparedness for the cyclone which is likely to cross the Odisha coast, close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamra, early on Friday.
“Three districts are likely to be severely affected. Steps are being taken to evacuate people from danger zones...So far, 30 per cent of the targeted 10 lakh people have been evacuated...the remaining will be taken to safety by 11 am on Thursday," the chief minister said.
As per IMD, the storm is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal and make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kmph.
The severe cyclonic storm “DANA” (pronounced as Dana) over central & adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal moved north-northwestwards with a speed of 12 kmph during the past 6 hours, and lay centred at 0530 hrs IST of today, the 24th of October, over northwest & adjoining central Bay of Bengal, near latitude 18.5° N and longitude 88.2°E, about 260 km southeast of Paradip (Odisha), 290 km south-southeast of Dhamara (Odisha) and 350 km south of Sagar Island (West Bengal).
Flights to and from the capital cities of Odisha and West Bengal, including Kolkata, will be suspended from Thursday evening to Friday morning as the region braces for a cyclone set to hit during that time, officials said.
"We have formed eight teams which would cooperate the district administration. In the core range of Bhitarkarnika, we have deployed six teams. There are several challenges... evacuating local people, cleaning the roads, rescuing animals. We have also formed two teams to work on reviving damaged eco-tourism infrastructure as soon as possible," says Manas Kumar Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests, on preparations to tackle Cyclone Dana
The coastal belt of Odisha experienced heavy rain and squally winds on Thursday morning with the sea condition remaining rough, as severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ approached closer to the state’s coast, the IMD said.
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting and reviewed the preparedness for severe Cyclone Dana at Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar. Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management, Suresh Pujari also present at the meeting.
Very Heavy rainfall likely to occur over Kerala. likely to occur over Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura, Bihar, Jharkhand, South Interior Karnataka and Tamil Nadu .
"Railway has taken many steps in view of cyclone 'Dana'. Railway Minister has reviewed our preparations and directed us to ensure as less traffic disruption as possible, so that we can manage during this cyclone effectively," says General Manager of East Coast Railway Parmeshwar Funkwal.
Indian Navy personnel carry out preparations for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations in view of cyclone 'Dana' which is expected to make landfall in Odisha
NDRF personnel assemble at Digha ahead of the landfall of Cyclone 'Dana', in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Several districts of West Bengal received moderate to heavy rain on Thursday morning, as severe cyclonic storm 'Dana' inched closer to the state’s coast and that of neighbouring Odisha,
NDRF personnel assemble at Digha ahead of the landfall of Cyclone 'Dana', in Purba Medinipur district, West Bengal, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Several districts of West Bengal received moderate to heavy rain on Thursday morning, as severe cyclonic storm 'Dana' inched closer to the state’s coast and that of neighbouring Odisha
Kolkata: As the time of suspending flight operations gradually approaches in the wake of cyclone Dana, the Kolkata airport authorities started making arrangements to ensure safety of people and planes and infrastructure at the facility.
Flight operations at the airport will be suspended for 15 hours from 6 pm on Thursday.
All entry and exit doors of the terminal building will be sealed after the last flight departs from the Kolkata airport while the aircraft parked on the bays will be tied up, airport Director Dr Pravat Ranjan Beuria said.
"In addition, all aerobridges will be retracted and ladders will be tied together to prevent those from moving and hitting planes during the storm," Beuria said.
-PTI
Ranchi: Parts of Jharkhand could experience heavy to very heavy rainfall from Thursday night under the influence of cyclonic storm Dana, a Met Department official said.
An 'orange' alert has been issued for the Kolhan region (West Singhbhum, Seraikela-Kharswan and East Singhbhum districts) for Friday, he said.
This category of alert indicates heavy rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 204 mm in 24 hours, the official said.
"Apart from heavy rain, the region might also experience thunderstorms and gusty winds with speeds of up to 60 kmph," Ranchi Meteorological Centre in-charge Abhishek Anand said.
In view of the inclement weather, Jharkhand School Education and Literacy Development Department on Thursday said that all categories of schools would be closed on Friday in Kolhan division.
"All categories of government, non-government, aided, unaided and private schools, from kindergarten to class 12, operating in West Singhbhum, East Singhbhum and Saraikela-Kharswan districts under Kolhan division will remain closed on October 25 in light of the alert issued by the Meteorological Center, Ranchi, regarding heavy rainfall and strong winds under influence of cyclonic storm Dana," a notice issued by the department said.
The cyclonic storm is likely to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday with wind speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour (kmph), the IMD said.
-PTI
Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi twice on Thursday and enquired about the state's preparedness for the impending cyclone, set to make landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra post midnight.
During their conversation, the Chief Minister provided detailed information about the ongoing relocation of people and the deployment of response forces such as the NDRF and ODRAF for public safety, according to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the state's preparations. Additionally, Union Minister Amit Shah discussed the situation with the Chief Minister and promised to provide all necessary assistance and support, the CMO said.
-PTI
New Delhi: The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) on Thursday said it has initiated comprehensive safety measures to safeguard ports, vessels, and personnel in response to cyclone Dana.
Minister of State for Ports, Shipping & Waterways Shantanu Thakur, chaired a detailed review meeting to assess the preparedness of the Ministry, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Thakur praised the proactive measures taken by the concerned agencies and urged them to stay vigilant in monitoring the situation as the cyclone intensifies, according to an official statement.
The cyclone, currently centered over the East-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to intensify and make landfall between Odisha and West Bengal on the night of October 24, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
-PTI
Bengaluru: ISRO on Thursday said its satellites have been tracking the cyclonic storm 'Dana' that is approaching the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal, providing real-time data to aid disaster management efforts.
It said, polar orbiting satellite EOS-06 and geostationary satellite INSAT-3DR are regularly providing valuable information on the cyclone status.
-PTI
Landfall process has commenced and the forward sector of the wall cloud region is entering into land. The landfall process would continue till today, the 25th October morning. The system is under continuous surveillance of the Doppler Weather Radar at Paradip, IMD wrote on X.
With IMD forecasting flash floods in 16 districts due to cyclone-induced heavy rainfall in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Maji on Thursday said his government was well-prepared to tackle any situation and took adequate measures to mitigate potential impacts.
Majhi visited the control room at the Special Relief Commissioner’s office here.
“We are well-prepared to face the situation. The water level in Hirakud reservoir and other places are being constantly monitored and managed,” the chief minister said.
The cyclone is likely to cross North Odisha and West Bengal coasts during next 3 to 4 hours as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph, according to IMD
It is very likely to continiue to move north-northwestwards and cross north odisha coast close to bhitarkanika and dhamara (odisha) during next 1 hour as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph. Landfall process continues and the forward sector of the wall cloud region continues to enter into land. The landfall process would continue till today, the 25th october morning.
The cyclone is crossing the north Odisha coast close to Habalikhati nature camp (Bhitarkanika) and Dhamara with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph.
Landfall process continues and the rear sector of the cyclone is entering into land. The landfall process would continue for next 1-2 hours.
ADM Bhadrak, Shantanu Mohanty said on Friday that vulnerable people have already been evacuated and have been shifted to Cyclone shelters.
"Electricity and other things have been restored. Fire Services, ODRF and NDRF teams have been moved. There has been a red alert in Bhadrak as heavy rain is expected. We have conveyed the message to the people not to go out," he added.
Heavy rains packed with gusty winds lashed parts of southern West Bengal as the landfall process of the severe cyclonic storm “Dana” continued to tear through the Odisha coast since midnight.
According to the latest bulletin from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm lay centred over north coastal Odisha, near north-northwest of Dhamara and north-northwest of Habalikhati nature camp (Bhitarkanika).
“The landfall process continues and the rear sector of the cyclone is entering into land. The landfall process would continue for the next 1-2 hours. It is likely to move nearly west-northwestwards across north Odisha and weaken gradually into a cyclonic storm by forenoon of today,” a bulletin of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) at 6:15 AM stated. (PTI)
"Normal operations were to start at 9 am but we have preponed it to 8 am. We have followed all post-cyclone procedures. Our teams have inspected operational areas, terminal building and city side and we have resumed operations," said Bhubaneswar Airport Director, Prasanna Pradhan.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a press briefing over Cyclone Dana on Friday and said that state's 'zero casualty' mission was successful as nobody died in the cyclonic storm.
Meanwhile, the IMD said that the landfall process of the severe cyclonic storm was complete on Friday morning and the system took at least eight and half hours to enter the landmass.
The Ministry of Railways has said that apart from the cancelled trains (which were notified earlier), other trains will run as per schedule.
"Down Trains coming from South (Visakhapatnam side) towards Bhubaneswar & Howrah are now running. UP Trains from Kharagpur side towards Visakhapatnam will be received at Bhadrak Station at about 1400hrs. First scheduled train is 12245 Howrah-Bangalore Duronto Express. Trains scheduled to originate from Bhubaneswar and Puri will commence after 1200hrs, today, except notified cancelled trains," the railways said.
Source: ANI