Kolkata: Cyclone Dana has begun to show its effects as it approaches the coast of Odisha. The cyclone, which developed in Bay of Bengal, is expected to make landfall late on Thursday night. It will also impact West Bengal as it moves forward.
Authorities in Odisha and West Bengal have issued alerts, and extensive precautions are being taken to minimise damage. More than 500 trains have been cancelled and flights have been suspended for 16 hours in both Odisha and Bengal. People living in danger zones have been asked to evacuate, and teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have been deployed to manage the situation.
How Cyclone ‘Dana’ got its name?
Cyclones occur due to specific conditions. According to meteorologists, they form when the sea surface temperature rises above 26.5°C, causing warm winds to rise from the ocean. These winds create a low-pressure area below, and as more winds rush in, the pressure builds up, eventually leading to the formation of a cyclone. A cyclone can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the conditions.
The name ‘Dana’ for this cyclone comes from the Arabic word meaning ‘generosity.’ It was chosen by Qatar as part of an international system for naming storms. Since 2000, World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and United Nations have managed the naming process, with countries like India, Bangladesh, and others in the region proposing names. The names are selected from a pre-approved list that is updated every six years.
Preparations and impact
Cyclone Dana is the second major storm to hit the Indian coast in the last two months, following Cyclone Asna in August. As the cyclone approaches, strong winds are already blowing, and some areas are experiencing rain. India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone Dana has taken a dangerous form, moving towards the northwest at high speed.
According to IMD, Dana is expected to hit the coast of Odisha at around 2 am on Friday, with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h. Heavy rainfall of up to 30 cm is predicted in some areas. In anticipation of the storm’s impact, around one million people have been evacuated from 14 districts of Odisha.
Wider effects and emergency measures
The effects of Cyclone Dana will not be limited to Odisha and West Bengal. Chhattisgarh, especially its central, southern, and northern regions, will also experience strong winds and rainfall as the cyclone moves inland.
To prepare for the cyclone, the Odisha Disaster Relief Force (ODRF) and 288 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and fire brigade have been deployed.
Schools and colleges in 14 districts of Odisha will remain closed on October 25, and the state government has cancelled the leave of its employees. Even Odisha High Court will stay closed till October 25 as part of the safety measures.
