Cyclone Dana Set to Strike Odisha and West Bengal: Preparations Intensify

Cyclone Dana is set to strike Odisha and West Bengal within the next 48 hours, bringing extreme rainfall and high winds. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the low pressure system over the Bay of Bengal will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, with landfall expected in Odisha's Puri and West Bengal's Sagar Island late Thursday and early Friday.

In response, state authorities have deployed 20 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and established evacuation protocols in vulnerable coastal areas. Schools in 14 districts of Odisha, including Ganjam and Cuttack, will close from October 23 to 25 as a precaution. Fishermen are advised to refrain from sea activity, and efforts are underway to bring back those already at sea.

The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in various districts, particularly Puri, Khurda, and Jagatsinghpur. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has emphasized preparedness, targeting zero casualties and ensuring that cyclone shelters are stocked with essential supplies.

As the storm approaches, wind speeds are expected to reach up to 120 kmph. Key political visits, including President Draupadi Murmu's and Home Minister Amit Shah's, have been postponed. Authorities urge residents to stay vigilant and heed evacuation orders as Cyclone Dana approaches.