Odisha is getting ready to evacuate nearly one million of its vulnerable coastal district residents as Cyclone ‘DANA’ gains strength, and landfall is expected in the morning of October 25. This gigantic evacuation effort is on the way, as the state authorities, disaster response teams, and local administration work hand-in-hand with each other to send off people living in low-lying areas or at high risk of damage before it gets too late.
Cyclone ‘DANA’ Intensifies
As part of a concurrent operation, West Bengal has already relocated more than 114,000 residents into government-prepared cyclone shelters. These anticipatory precautions as Cyclone ‘DANA’ approaches put both states at risk of destructive winds, torrential rains, and potential flooding.
Position and Track of Cyclone DANA
According to IMD, Cyclone ‘DANA’ was about 420 km southeast of Paradip in Odisha. The cyclone would continue to move northwest gathering strength over the Bay of Bengal and would make landfall. With the latest forecast, the cyclone is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port. Wind may reach a speed of up to 120 km/h (75 mph).
A blow to the state of eastern India may be expected, with the possibility of very heavy rain and storm surges across this vast stretch of coastline; the capital city of Bhubaneswar, in the coastal state of Odisha, is among the most sensitive areas that can expect high alerts when the storm arrives.
Rail and Air Travel Disruptions
Due to the impending cyclone, all the major trains on both October 24 and 25 have been canceled by the Eastern and South Eastern Railways. The cancellations are done in coordination with the safety of the passengers as well as by avoiding any loss that the railway systems might face by getting affected by the turbulence and flooding.
Moreover, Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport has been delaying flight operations. According to an AAI spokesperson, flights would be grounded for 15 hours from 6 p.m. on October 24 till 9 a.m. on October 25. In fact, this was done ahead of the twin disruptions in terms of high winds and heavy rain in the region.
“In view of Cyclone ‘DANA’s’ likely impact on west Bengali coast including Kolkata, it has been decided to suspend all flight operations from 6 p.m. October 24 to 9 a.m. October 25 as heavy winds and very heavy rainfall are being expected,” AAI spokesperson said.
Disaster Preparedness in Odisha and West Bengal
Preparations by the two states have not been taken lightly by the Odisha Power Department, as it has already made provisions of an emergency helpline. Additionally, the department is working in close coordination with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to solve breakdown issues at hand related to power supply. Disaster management teams have also been placed in key areas, including coastal towns that are feared to be the worst affected by the storm.
This is exactly the reason why Odisha’s disaster management machinery remains on tenterhooks even today, a situation that has prompted the state to ready shelters to accommodate evacuees and put in place rescue boats and other emergency equipment. Other than NDRF, local volunteers and state forces have been helpfully assisting residents moving to safer locations.
Disaster preparedness is also in full swing in West Bengal. The state government has ensured that all cyclone shelters have adequate stockpiles of food, water, and medical supplies. All district administrations in North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, and Hooghly districts are well-instructed by the government to take all measures so the residents of those areas may be kept safe.
IMD’s Weather Warning
The IMD has sounded a red alert warning, saying Cyclone ‘DANA’ may intensify before it touches the coastline. Scores of districts in Odisha and West Bengal would witness torrential rainfall and flash floods may occur besides land slipping and flooding.
In West Bengal, the same agency had forecast torrential rain for districts of North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Purba and Paschim Medinipur during the next 48 hours. It has advised residents to stay indoors and desist from traveling, which is unnecessary, as roads may become slippery with the floods and other debris falling on them.
Situations will also be about the same danger in Odisha’s coastal districts of Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur as the speed of the wind may reach 120 km/h and may cause damage to homes, infrastructure, and power lines. Fishermen in both states have been advised not to venture into the sea till the storm crosses as the Bay of Bengal will be highly turbulent during this time.
National Response and Coordination
Fifty-six teams of the National Disaster Response Force have been deployed in five states that have been heavy on the forces in Odisha and West Bengal, the two most vulnerable states. Rescue boats, medical supplies, and other equipment fit for instant response to emergencies ranging from floods or building collapse to any other situation are suited by these teams.
The officials of NDRF closely coordinate with the local governments to evacuate people well in time and minimize the loss of life and property. Public announcements have been made in the vulnerable areas to make sure that people are alert enough about the seriousness of the storm and all the steps they need to take.
Odisha and West Bengal remain on tenterhooks as Cyclone ‘DANA’ is set to strike closer. The authorities are making all efforts to ensure that the common people take evacuation calls seriously and stay indoors till the storm actually starts passing.
