Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall along the coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal between the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25. This severe cyclonic storm is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 120 km/h.
We spoke with Umasankar Das, a scientist at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in Bhubaneswar, to gain some insights about the extended impact of Cyclone Dana.
“Since forecasting around the world has improved significantly, we are able to give accurate, district-specific information which helps government bodies take the required steps,” he says.
Most affected areas
“Generally the point where a cyclone hits the land, the regions on the northern parts of it are impacted the most, both in terms of winds and rains,” Umasankar notes. The north coastal districts of Odisha are anticipated to receive about 20 cm (200 mm) of rainfall, with isolated heavy to very heavy rain also forecasted for Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Nayagarh, Khordha, and Puri districts.
Because Odisha has an extensive river system, flash flood conditions are expected, especially in low-lying areas, Umasankar explains. In Kendrapara, sea water may surge up to 3 km inland, posing significant risks to coastal communities. Fishermen have been advised not to venture out to sea, and ferry services in the Sunderbans and along the River Hooghly have been cancelled.
Measures for evacuating up to 10 lakh people from vulnerable areas are underway with 5,000 relief camps being set.
Coastal districts of West Bengal including South 24 Parganas, East Midnapore, and Howrah, are at high alert due to anticipatory strong winds of up to 100-110 km/h and tidal surges. Heavy rain is forecasted for North 24 Parganas, Kolkata, Hooghly, and Nadia, which might cause flooding in low-lying areas. Some places might see extremely heavy rainfall of over 21 cm.
Services affected
Schools and colleges: All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain closed in 14 districts of Odisha until October 25. In West Bengal, schools will be closed until October 26.
Flight operations: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata has suspended all flight operations for 15 hours starting at 6 pm on October 24 due to predicted wind speeds of 60 to 80 km/h. Bhubaneswar airport will suspend flight operations for 16 hours, resuming at 9:00 am on October 25.
Railway services: The East Coast Railways has cancelled 198 trains passing through and originating from Odisha, including major ones like Howrah-Secunderabad and Dibrugarh-Kanyakumari. The Eastern Railway will not operate EMU local trains from Sealdah station in South and Hasnabad sections from 8 pm on October 24 until 10 pm on October 25. The full list of rescheduled or cancelled trains can be found here.
Emergency contacts
The Odisha government has activated toll-free assistance numbers and specific control room numbers for various high-risk districts. Emergency contact numbers for these districts are as follows:
1. Angul: 06764-230980
2. Balasore: 06782-262286, 06782-261077
3. Bhadrak: 06784-251881
4. Cuttack: 0671-2507842
5. Bhubaneswar: 1929
6. Mayurbhanj: 06792-252759, 06792-252941
7. Kendrapada: 06727-232803
The Odisha power department has set up helpline numbers (8900793503, 19221 for WBSEDCL, and 1912 for CESC) for public assistance during the cyclone.
In West Bengal, Raj Bhavan has established a 24/7 control room. You can reach them at the phone number 033-22001641 or via email at emergency.danarajbhavan@gmail.com.
While the cyclone is expected to wreak havoc in several parts of India’s eastern coast, there are some preventive steps you could take to safeguard yourself, your family, pets, and plants.
Edited by Arunava Banerjee
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