Cyclone Dana hits coastal areas of Odisha; brings fierce gusts across the region
The powerful severe cyclonic storm Dana hit the coastal areas of Odisha, causing significant damage after arriving after midnight on Thursday. The storm, with winds over 110 km/h, brought heavy rain and strong gusts to various areas, including parts of West Bengal.
The landfall process began in the early hours and lasted until Friday morning, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The intense cyclonic storm was located over the northern coastal area of Odisha, close to Dhamara and Habalikhati nature camp. There are expectations for it to travel westward in Odisha and weaken to a “cyclone” by noon. Officials say the “severe cyclone” is expected to avoid entering West Bengal, but heavy rainfall will persist.
Schools closed in states today, millions evacuated to camps
The strong winds and intense rainfall led to damage in Vansaba, Bhadrak, and Dhamra, where there were numerous cases of trees falling and structures being harmed. Many roads in the area were shut down and transportation in all forms was affected.
Flight operations at Kolkata Airport were suspended from 6 pm on Thursday until 9 am on Friday, while Bhubaneswar Airport was also shut from 5 pm on Thursday to 9 am on Friday.
Over 400 trains passing through the two neighbouring states have been cancelled in response to the cyclone. Kolkata Port authorities also halted ship movements until Friday evening as a precautionary measure.
Also read: Cyclone Dana: Intense rain in Odisha, Bengal; heavy landfall to begin
Odisha CM Mohan Ram Majhi monitoring the situation
Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, oversaw the situation from the State Emergency Control Room in Bhubaneswar before Cyclone Dana hit the state coast in the Bay of Bengal. He mentioned that state ministers and officials are evaluating the current situation on the ground and making sure all necessary preparations are done.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had a conversation with the Odisha Chief Minister on Thursday night to inquire about the response measures taken regarding Cyclone Dana. PM Modi assured complete assistance from the Central government to help the Odisha government handle the storm and its potential effects.
