Rahul Somvanshi
The eastern coast of India is preparing for the arrival of Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm expected to make landfall between Puri, Odisha, and Sagar Island, West Bengal, on October 25, 2024. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding in the affected regions.
Formation and Trajectory
Cyclone Dana originated from a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal, which intensified into a depression on October 22, 2024, at 5:30 a.m. IST. The system is located approximately 700 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha, and 750 km south-southeast of Sagar Island, West Bengal. The IMD predicts that the depression will further intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23 and a severe cyclonic storm by October 24.
Projected Impact
As Cyclone Dana approaches the east coast, it is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, during landfall between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25. The storm is likely to cause heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in several districts of Odisha and West Bengal, including:
Odisha:
Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, Jajpur, Dhenkanal, Khordha, and Puri districts (October 24-25).
West Bengal:
South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura districts (October 24-25).
Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall is expected over south Jharkhand on October 24 and 25.
Government Preparedness
The Odisha and West Bengal state governments have initiated extensive preparedness measures to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Dana:
1. Odisha:
- Cancellation of staff leaves from October 23 to 25.
- Deployment of personnel from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Rapid Action Force will also remain standby on ground.
- Identification of multiple relief centers and temporary shelters.
- Deployment of six top bureaucrats to monitor and manage the situation in the most vulnerable districts.
2. West Bengal:
- Closure of state-run schools in nine south Bengal districts, including Kolkata, from October 23 to 26.
- Closure of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers during the same period.
- Suspension of tourism activities in coastal towns.
- Advisories issued to fishermen to return from the Bay of Bengal.
Evacuation and Safety Measures
Authorities have advised tourists and pilgrims to leave the popular beach city of Puri, Odisha, as a precautionary measure. Rescue teams are on standby to assist with evacuations and emergency response. The Odisha government has set a target of achieving 100% evacuation in vulnerable areas, focusing on the safety and well-being of the residents.
Transportation Disruptions
In light of the impending cyclone, a total of 197 trains have been canceled between October 23 and 26. Among the canceled trains, 94 were scheduled to travel south via Odisha, while 103 were heading east through the state. Five trains originating from Assam and bound for Assam have also been canceled on October 23.
The Kolkata airport authorities have begun preparations to tackle any situation arising from Cyclone Dana. Dr. Pravat Ranjan Beuria, Director of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, stated that the impact on flight operations would depend on the situation after the cyclone makes landfall.
Meanwhile, In preparation for an upcoming cyclonic storm expected to hit between Puri and Sagar Island on Thursday, the NDRF has readied 14 teams in West Bengal and 11 teams in Odisha for deployment.
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Historical Context and Naming
Cyclone Dana derives its name from a list of names contributed by countries in the region, a tradition that helps raise public awareness and ensures effective communication of warnings. The name “Dana” was suggested by Myanmar, following the established cyclone naming conventions.
IMD Analysis
IMD presented their analysis later on Tuesday evening, emphasized the potential intensity of Cyclone Dana, “It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a cyclonic storm by 23rd October, 2024 over eastcentral Bay of Bengal. Thereafter, continuing to move northwestwards, 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 to morning of 25th October, 2024 as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph.”
Critical Time Ahead
As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coast of India, the region braces for its impact. The collaborative efforts of the IMD, state governments, and local authorities in issuing timely warnings, initiating preparedness measures, and ensuring public safety demonstrate the importance of proactive disaster management. The resilience of the affected communities will be tested as they navigate through this severe cyclonic storm.
