India: Authorities in India’s eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal have declared full emergency mode as they vacate hundreds of thousands of residents from coastal areas ahead of the impending arrival of Cyclone Dana. Currently situated over the Bay of Bengal, the cyclone is cast to make landfall, with wind speeds ranging from 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph), and gusts potentially running up to 120 km/h (75 mph), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
In Odisha, Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling reported that nearly one million people from vulnerable coastal regions are being resettled to cyclone shelters. Meanwhile, over 100,000 residents in West Bengal have begun their evacuation, as confirmed by government minister Bankim Chandra Hazra.
The storm is expected to strike near the coal-exporting port of Dhamara, approximately 230 km (140 miles) southwest of Kolkata, West Bengal’s capital. As a precaution, flights to and from major airports, including Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, will be suspended until October 25th morning.
The IMD has issued notices to fishing crews to stay ashore, and television footage illustrated fishermen securing their straw homes and boats in preparation for the storm. Schools in affected areas have been closed, and Odisha authorities have withdrawn around 200 trains to facilitate evacuations.
Tourists in coastal regions are being urged to leave beach resorts and seek shelter. In Puri, Odisha, a rush of tourists was noticed at the railway station as they attempted to depart before the cyclone hit, according to rail spokesman Kaushik Mitea. Cyclone Dana is also desired to have repercussions in neighbouring Bangladesh, where interim government leader Muhammad Yunus announced that comprehensive preparations are being made to mitigate the storm’s impact.
Severe cyclones typically strike coastal cities in India and Bangladesh during the cyclone season, which lasts from April to December, often resulting in significant destruction. The last major cyclone in Odisha occurred in 1999, claiming around 10,000 lives and lasting for 30 hours. Earlier this year, a cyclone that hit India and Bangladesh in May caused the deaths of at least 16 individuals, with wind speeds reaching 135 km/h (84 mph).
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