As Cyclone Dana made its fierce landfall, coastal districts in Odisha and West Bengal faced severe weather conditions with heavy rain and strong winds. The landfall, which began shortly after midnight on Thursday, October 24, 2024, has resulted in the evacuation of over 600,000 people. Affected districts, such as Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur in Odisha, are experiencing winds reaching speeds of 100-110 km/h, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing red warnings for the region.
Cyclone Dana’s Impact on Coastal Odisha and West Bengal
Cyclone Dana’s approach to the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal has wreaked havoc on communities already vulnerable to extreme weather events. The landfall process is expected to continue until early Friday morning, October 25, 2024. Strong winds, intense rain, and storm surges have left a path of destruction in their wake, with trees uprooted and power infrastructure severely impacted in isolated areas.
The cyclone’s outer bands began affecting Odisha six hours before landfall, with Bhadrak and Kendrapara districts reporting extensive damage. Disaster response forces have been deployed to remove road obstructions caused by fallen trees, but the weather conditions are making it difficult for teams to navigate the impacted areas.
Flight and Rail Disruptions Due to Cyclone Dana
As a precaution, authorities have suspended transportation services in the region. The Kolkata airport halted operations from 6 p.m. on Thursday and plans to resume services at 9 a.m. on Friday. Similarly, the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar suspended all flights for 16 hours from Thursday evening.
Rail services have been significantly affected as well. The East Coast Railway has diverted or cancelled 203 trains, prioritizing public safety. In West Bengal, local trains from Sealdah station have been suspended, and suburban train services in Howrah are also cancelled for Friday morning. Ferry services in the Sundarbans and across the Hooghly River have been halted until further notice.
Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds: IMD’s Red Alert
The IMD has issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds in four key districts of Odisha: Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur. Winds of 100-110 km/h are expected, with gusts potentially reaching up to 120 km/h. The cyclone is moving north-northwestward, with the likelihood of crossing the northern coasts of Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island.
With rain already lashing parts of Odisha and southern West Bengal, including Kolkata, the IMD has advised fishermen to stay away from the sea. Gale winds are prevailing over the northwest Bay of Bengal, and a storm surge could result in coastal flooding in low-lying areas.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Authorities in Odisha and West Bengal have taken extensive precautionary measures to minimize the impact of Cyclone Dana. In Odisha alone, 182 disaster response teams, comprising over 2,000 personnel, have been deployed. Evacuation efforts have seen over 600,000 people moved to safer locations, with district collectors advised to declare school holidays to ensure public safety.
West Bengal has also activated its emergency helplines and set up a task force at the Raj Bhavan. The government is working closely with disaster management teams to assess damage and coordinate rescue operations as the cyclone progresses.
Key Locations Affected
Odisha: Coastal districts such as Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and Balasore are bearing the brunt of Cyclone Dana’s force. The IMD has warned that these areas could witness extremely heavy rainfall, storm surges, and dangerous wind conditions.
West Bengal: Districts in southern Bengal, including Kolkata, are facing heavy rain and winds due to the cyclone’s movement. The Sundarbans and surrounding areas have been put on high alert, and ferry services across the Hooghly River have been suspended.
Helpline Numbers for Emergency Assistance
Both Odisha and West Bengal have activated multiple helplines to assist those affected by Cyclone Dana. Residents are urged to contact these numbers for any emergency services or assistance:
- Odisha:
- Balasore: 06782-262286
- Bhadrak: 06784-251881
- Jagatsinghpur: 06724-220368
- Kendrapara: 06727-232803
- Cuttack: 0671-2507842
- Emergency Response Support: 112
- West Bengal:
- 24/7 Helpline: 2214 3526
- Kolkata Municipal Corporation: 91 33 2286-1212
- West Medinipur District Control Room: 03222 267983
Ongoing Response Efforts and Future Outlook
As of Friday morning, October 25, 2024, the landfall process continues, with winds reaching their peak. Roads in affected districts, including Bhadrak and Kendrapara, remain blocked by uprooted trees, and efforts to clear debris are underway. Telecom services have activated intra-circle roaming to ensure residents remain connected despite disruptions.
The IMD predicts that the cyclone will gradually weaken as it moves inland, but heavy rains are expected to persist in the affected regions for the next 24 hours. Meanwhile, sporadic thunderstorms and lightning are predicted over parts of Assam, Meghalaya, and nearby states through Saturday, although the intensity is likely to decrease.
Conclusion: The Path of Cyclone Dana
Cyclone Dana is expected to move further inland, affecting both Odisha and West Bengal with heavy rains, high winds, and potential storm surges. While the worst of the storm is expected to subside after Friday morning, the region will continue to feel its effects through the weekend.
Preparedness and prompt evacuation measures have been crucial in mitigating the potential devastation caused by this severe cyclonic storm. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, follow official updates, and heed the warnings issued by the authorities to ensure their safety during and after the storm.
