Cyclone Dana Alert: Cyclonic storm is likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during night of 24th October. The state government of Odisha has asked school colleges in all 14 affected district to remain closed from October 23 to 25. The affected district are: Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagargh and Cuttack.
According to IMD forecast, it is expected to develop into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over the northwest Bay of Bengal by the morning of October 24. The storm will likely make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island on the north coasts of Odisha and West Bengal during the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, 2024, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h.
The India Meteorological stated, “Weather warnings for next 7 days (22 Oct- 28 Oct 2024) Subject: (i) A Depression lay over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by 23rd over same region. Thereafter, it is very likely to intensify into a Severe Cyclonic Storm over northwest Bay of Bengal by morning of 24th and cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during night of 24th and morning of 25th October, 2024 as a Severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph.
(ii) Isolated extremely heavy rainfall very likely over Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal on 24th & 25th October 2024.”
IMD Issued Red Alert for West Bengal and Odisha due to Cyclone Dana
IMD issued red alert of heavy rainfall in West Bengal and Odisha from 24th October to 25th October. A red alert has been issued for the Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts of Odisha on October 24, warning residents of heavy to very heavy rainfall and lightning due to Cyclone Dana.
The IMD has also forecast heavy rains in the coastal districts of West Bengal on October 23. Rainfall alerts have been issued for Purba and Paschim Medinipur, as well as North and South 24 Parganas districts.
IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy told ANI, “Heavy rainfall warning issued in A&N Islands for today and tomorrow and in coastal Andhra Pradesh and coastal Odisha for October 23. Extremely heavy rainfall is expected on October 24 and 25 in the Gangetic West Bengal and coastal Odisha. Heavy rainfall is also expected in Assam, Tripura, Mizoram, and Meghalaya from October 23-25. In Delhi, the maximum temperature is expected to remain around 33-34 degrees Celsius and minimum temperature at 18-20 degrees Celsius.”
Odisha Director of Health Services Bijay told ANI, “We are prepared… Every year we are anticipating cyclones and we are facing those cyclones. we have a definite protocol for preparation of management.”
“At the facility level, where all service providers will be available, no leave will be allowed. we are ensuring the logistics of the drug and consumable supply, specifically the anti-venom snake drug. We are also ensuring the provision of safe drinking water and 24-hour electricity,” Mohapatra added.
