Cyclone Dana Set to Make Landfall Near Odisha: State on High Alert
Cyclone Dana is set to make landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra areas in Odisha on October 24, with wind speeds of 100-120 kmph. Odisha is on high alert, preparing to evacuate 10 lakh people from vulnerable areas. Heavy rainfall and potential damage to infrastructure are expected across 14 districts.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone Dana, currently forming over the east-central Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall between the Bhitarkanika and Dhamra areas of Odisha as a severe cyclonic storm. The storm is predicted to hit with wind speeds ranging from 100 to 120 kmph on the night of October 24.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the cyclone's strongest winds will impact Odisha's coastal districts, particularly Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore, along with East Medinipur in West Bengal. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is also anticipated across northern and coastal parts of Odisha, with 14 districts expected to be affected.
The cyclone may cause significant damage, including disruption to power and communication lines, damage to thatched houses and rooftops, and destruction of standing crops. There are also chances of storm surges that could inundate low-lying areas, especially in Kendrapada, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts.
In response, the Odisha state government has put all machinery on high alert and begun evacuating people from vulnerable areas. Around 5,000 shelters have been prepared, and officials plan to relocate nearly 10 lakh people to these safety zones by Wednesday evening.
The state’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, confirmed that extensive preparations have been made, with special attention given to ensuring the safety of people in low-lying and cyclone-prone regions.
Stay tuned for updates and follow all government advisories for safety measures.
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