Aakhir Tak – In Shorts
- Odisha and Bengal on alert for Cyclone Dana: 34 NDRF teams are on standby, schools have been closed, and millions are being evacuated in Odisha and Bengal.
- Trains and institutions cancelled: Over 150 trains have been cancelled, and educational institutions shut down across Odisha’s 14 districts.
- Heavy rainfall expected with high winds: IMD forecasts Cyclone Dana to make landfall with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h on Thursday night.
Aakhir Tak – In Depth
Odisha and West Bengal are on high alert as Cyclone Dana approaches, expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on Thursday night or Friday morning. Rescue operations are in full swing, with over 34 NDRF teams deployed in both states, and evacuation efforts have begun in coastal areas.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that Cyclone Dana has intensified from a deep depression and is likely to become a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday morning. With expected wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, both states are preparing for the impact. Odisha and West Bengal have already closed schools, and over 150 trains, including premium trains, have been cancelled for safety reasons.
In Odisha, over 10 lakh people from 3,000 villages are being evacuated to safe shelters. The state has also hoisted Distance Cautionary signals at major ports, and several multipurpose cyclone shelters have been readied. The government is coordinating with the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard to ensure rapid response to any emergencies.
West Bengal is also on high alert, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee assuring citizens that the government is fully prepared. Seven districts in the state, including South 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, are on high alert.
