Cyclone Dana Updates & Key Takeaways:
- Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall early Friday between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, Odisha.
- Wind speeds could reach 120 km/h, along with heavy rain and storm surges of up to 2 metres.
- IMD has issued a ‘red warning’ for seven districts and an ‘orange warning’ for five more in Odisha.
- Evacuations are underway, with 3-4 lakh people already moved to safer locations.
- The Jagannath temple in Puri has been closed to devotees, and NDRF teams are actively raising awareness in high-risk districts.
As severe cyclonic storm ‘Dana’ approaches the Odisha coast, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas are battering the state. Positioned just 200 km off the coast on Thursday afternoon, the cyclone is expected to make landfall early Friday, between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port, with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Red and Orange Warnings in Place
The IMD has issued a ‘red warning’ for heavy to very heavy rainfall in seven districts: Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur. These areas are likely to experience the brunt of the storm. An ‘orange warning’ has also been issued for five additional districts, including Puri, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Dhenkanal, where heavy rain is expected as the cyclone makes its way inland.
Government Preparedness and Evacuations
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held an emergency review meeting to assess the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Dana. As of Wednesday evening, only 30 per cent of the population in identified ‘danger zones’ had been evacuated, with 3-4 lakh people moved to safer locations. However, evacuation efforts have continued throughout Thursday.
ALSO READ: With 100-120 kmph wind speeds, Cyclone Dana likely to make landfall between Odisha, West Bengal tonight
Jagannath Temple Closed to Devotees
Authorities have advised devotees to avoid visiting the iconic Jagannath temple in Puri as a precaution against the cyclone. Puri District Collector Siddharth S Swain urged devotees, especially those observing the month-long ‘Kartik Brata’ ritual, to stay away from the 12th-century shrine until the storm passes. Preparations to safeguard the temple are being accelerated to minimize any potential damage.
NDRF and Awareness Campaigns
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been deployed in districts such as Kendrapara and Mahakalpada, going door-to-door and using loudspeakers to inform residents about the cyclone’s impending landfall. These efforts are aimed at raising awareness and ensuring that those in vulnerable areas are evacuated in time.
Impact on Coastal Regions
Coastal regions in Odisha have already begun to feel the effects of Cyclone Dana, with heavy rainfall and strong winds reported throughout Thursday morning. Sea conditions have remained turbulent as the storm inches closer. Similarly, parts of West Bengal have also experienced moderate to heavy rainfall as the cyclone affects both states’ coastlines.
Forecasted Impact and Multi-Hazard Situation
According to IMD Director-General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds of 120 km/h at landfall, accompanied by heavy rainfall and dangerous storm surges. The IMD has warned that Odisha could face a “multi-hazard situation” with tidal surges up to 2 metres, widespread flooding, and possible damage to infrastructure and crops.
As Cyclone Dana moves closer, Odisha braces for a severe weather event, with government agencies working tirelessly to mitigate the storm’s impact and ensure the safety of its residents.
