Cyclonic storm Dana LIVE updates: Coastal Odisha, parts of Bengal receive heavy rain; flights, trains suspended
As per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone is expected to hit the shores between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra port in Odisha on the early hours of Friday, October 25, 2024, with a projected maximum wind speed of approximately 120 kmph.
Suresh Pujari, the Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management in Odisha, announced during the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, the intention to relocate 1 million individuals to various cyclone shelters equipped with necessary services. The Minister expressed optimism that the evacuation process would gain momentum by the evening.
Pujari stated that the IMD has banned all marine activities, such as fishing, in the Bay of Bengal until the cyclone has moved away, prompting all fishermen to return to the shore by Tuesday evening.
The Meteorological Department issued a caution about significant rainfall, ranging from heavy to exceptionally heavy, along with intense downpours expected in specific areas of southern Bengal, comprising North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Kolkata, Howrah, and Hooghly districts on the 24th and 25th of October. The peak in heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds and storm surges, is anticipated during the period of landfall, spanning from the night of October 24 to the morning of October 25.
Numerous train services were canceled by the Eastern and South Eastern railways on October 24 and 25 due to the approaching cyclone.
As the cyclone rapidly advances towards the state’s coast, various operations such as the Orissa High Court, Biju Patnaik International Airport, ports at Paradip and Dhamara, educational institutions, and more have been halted in preparation for the incoming disaster.
The experts at the Telangana Development Planning Society (TGDPS) indicated that despite Cyclone Dana not expected to cause rainfall in Hyderabad and Telangana, there is a possibility of receiving light showers after its dissipation later this week. Moreover, they mentioned that the warm and humid weather is set to persist until mid-November, marking the approach of winter. The information was shared on Wednesday, October 23, 2024.
Y.V. Rama Rao, a consultant meteorologist, has indicated that the ongoing cyclone is heading towards Odisha and West Bengal, thus diminishing the likelihood of rainfall in our vicinity. Moreover, the Northeast monsoon currently in effect is not anticipated to yield significant precipitation in this area.
