BHUBANESWAR, Oct 23: As Cyclone Dana approaches, the Odisha government has set up 5,000 relief centers and formulated evacuation plans to protect around 1 million people along the eastern coastline. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, with the cyclone anticipated to make landfall in the early hours of October 25, between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara and Bhadrak or Balasore.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Dana is likely to develop into a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. The storm is expected to cross the northern coasts of Odisha and West Bengal between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24, leading to heavy rainfall across Odisha and Gangetic West Bengal from October 23 to 26.
Key districts at high risk include Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri. Emergency services are being mobilized to ensure effective recovery and assistance for those affected.
In light of the approaching cyclone, the East Coast Railway (ECoR) has adjusted several train services, rescheduling and canceling trips to maintain passenger safety. A 24-hour Disaster Management Cell has been activated at headquarters and divisional offices in Khurda Road, Visakhapatnam, and Sambalpur, with diesel locomotives on standby for potential power failures.
To enhance preparedness, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has sent 20 teams to Odisha and 14 to West Bengal. Additionally, rescue and relief crews from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are on standby, along with ships and aircraft ready for rapid deployment.
On Wednesday, the Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed two aircraft to transport 150 NDRF personnel and essential relief supplies to Bhubaneswar.
