Cyclone Dana: Over 1M Evacuated, Schools Shut, OPSC exam Postponed as Odisha and WB Brace for Landfall

Odisha and West Bengal are on high alert as Cyclone Dana is expected to land between Puri and Sagar Island on Thursday night. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that Dana will cross the northern Odisha and West Bengal coasts as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds ranging from 100-110 kmph and gusts reaching up to 120 kmph.

In preparation for the storm, the Odisha government has taken precautionary measures, including closing schools and advising fishermen to avoid venturing out until October 24. Tourists and pilgrims have also been asked to refrain from traveling to Puri during this period.

Odisha is witnessing a large-scale evacuation, with more than 1.1 million people being moved to storm shelters from 3,000 villages in 14 districts, according to official reports. The government has set up relief camps to accommodate evacuees, and essential services such as food, drinking water, lighting, sanitation, and healthcare are being provided.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who chaired a high-level meeting to assess preparedness, urged all MLAs to coordinate the relief efforts in their respective constituencies. Approximately 300,000 people have already been evacuated from vulnerable areas.

Schools Closed in Odisha and West Bengal

In light of the approaching cyclone, schools, colleges, and other educational institutions have been closed in Odisha and West Bengal until October 26. In Odisha, 14 districts will remain shut from October 23 to October 25. Heavy rains have also started in parts of West Bengal, prompting officials to be on high alert as some districts may face severe impact.

Civil Services Exam Postponed

The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has announced the postponement of the Odisha Civil Services Preliminary Examination – 2023-24, which was scheduled for October 27. The new date for the exam will be notified after a week, according to an official notice.

Cyclone Dana is predicted to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha early Friday, with wind speeds possibly reaching 120 kmph. Authorities in both Odisha and West Bengal continue to brace for the storm’s impact, with emergency services on standby.