As Cyclone Dana approaches Odisha’s coast, expected to make landfall by October 25, preparations are in full swing. The state aims to evacuate around 10 lakh people from vulnerable coastal districts. In West Bengal, more than 1.14 lakh residents have already been relocated to shelters as a precaution.
Odisha’s Evacuation Efforts
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, after reviewing the state’s preparedness, revealed that about 30% of the targeted population, roughly 3-4 lakh people, had been moved to safety by Wednesday evening. The state government initially aimed to relocate over 10 lakh people from 14 districts ahead of the cyclone.
Cyclone’s Impact and Wind Speed
Cyclone Dana, with winds expected to reach 120 kmph (75 mph), is likely to hit between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha by Friday morning, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and is expected to bring heavy rainfall to southern West Bengal districts, including Kolkata.
Transportation Disruptions: Trains and Flights
Both Eastern and South Eastern Railways have canceled numerous trains on October 24 and 25 due to the cyclone. Over 170 trains operating under the South Eastern Railway (SER) have been suspended, with more cancellations possible depending on the situation.
Eastern Railway (ER) will also halt local EMU trains in Sealdah’s south and Hasnabad sections from 8 p.m. on October 24 to 10 a.m. on October 25. Trains from coastal areas like Hasnabad and Namkhana will be the last to depart by 7 p.m. on October 24. Additionally, 68 suburban trains in ER’s Howrah division have been canceled for October 25.
Flight operations at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport will be suspended from 6 p.m. on October 25 until 9 a.m. on October 26 as a precautionary measure.
Schools and Colleges Shut
The West Bengal government announced school closures in several districts, including South and North 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata, from October 23 to 26. In Odisha, all educational institutions in 14 districts will remain closed until October 25.
Rescue and Relief Operations
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 56 teams across five states, with 45 actively engaged in rescue efforts in Odisha and West Bengal. The Indian Coast Guard is on high alert, mobilizing vessels and aircraft for emergency response at sea. The defence ministry confirmed that the Coast Guard is closely monitoring the situation to ensure preparedness for the cyclone’s impact.
Helpline Numbers
In preparation for the cyclone, the Odisha power department has issued helpline numbers for public assistance: 8900793503, 19221 (WBSEDCL), and 1912 (CESC).
Weather Forecast
The IMD predicts heavy rainfall, with some areas likely to experience extremely heavy downpours. Affected districts include North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly, especially on October 24 and 25.