Bhubaneswar: India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that a low-pressure area over Bay of Bengal is expected to develop into a severe cyclonic storm, named ‘Dana,’ on October 23.
The storm is forecasted to reach the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal by October 24, leading to heavy rainfall in both states for three days, till October 26. Jharkhand and Bihar are expected to feel the storm’s effects on the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25.
Cyclone may impact Bihar, Jharkhand
Abhishek Anand, who heads Ranchi Meteorological Center, said that changes in weather will be noticeable in Jharkhand from Wednesday evening. Some areas in southeast Jharkhand may experience heavy rain, while thunderstorms and strong winds are likely in various regions.
#CycloneDana | IAF lifted NDRF team, 150 personnel and relief material to Bhubaneswar, Odisha. One IL76 and AN 32 were flown in from Bathinda, Punjab. The aircraft landed early morning today.
(Video: IAF) pic.twitter.com/xAgaJpcIfq
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
Light rain and moderate winds are expected in several districts of Bihar, including Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui and others.
Schools closed, several trains cancelled
IMD has issued an alert indicating that cyclone ‘Dana’ could produce strong winds reaching speeds of 120 km/h. Due to the hazardous conditions, fishermen in Odisha and West Bengal are advised to avoid going to sea from October 23 to 25.
In response to the storm threat, schools in multiple districts of these states have been closed and 197 trains have been cancelled between October 23 and 26.
#CycloneDana | IAF lifted NDRF team, 150 personnel and relief material to Bhubaneswar, Odisha. One IL76 and AN 32 were flown in from Bathinda, Pu
(Pics: IAF) https://t.co/hOoLsTWxjX pic.twitter.com/BxsCUyYcpd
— ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2024
IMD’s forecast and warning
Mrityunjay Mahapatra, director general of IMD, said that the entire east coast, from Puri to the West Bengal coast, is likely to be affected by cyclone ‘Dana.’ In preparation, Odisha government has requested 10 additional teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to assist with emergency measures.
State revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari said that officials have visited 250 cyclone relief centres that will house people evacuated from their homes. Essential supplies, including food, water and medicine, have been prepared for those relocating to safety.
Kolkata airport officials are also making arrangements to handle potential disruptions caused by the storm. They are inspecting the airport infrastructure and drainage systems to ensure they are ready for any emergencies related to the cyclonic storm expected to hit the coastal areas on October 25.
