As Cyclone Dana brews over the Bay of Bengal, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has taken immediate action, deploying 25 specialized teams—14 in West Bengal and 11 in Odisha—in preparation for the cyclone’s impending landfall. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 100-110 km/h, with gusts up to 120 km/h, putting coastal regions on high alert. Both central and state authorities are working together to ensure that safety measures are in place, minimizing damage and evacuating residents in vulnerable areas.
NDRF Prepares for the Impact of Cyclone Dana
In anticipation of Cyclone Dana, the NDRF has mobilized its teams across West Bengal and Odisha to respond swiftly to emergencies. The storm is expected to hit between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal, likely making landfall late on Thursday night or early Friday morning. As the cyclone intensifies, authorities are bracing for potential disruptions caused by the high-speed winds and heavy rainfall.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that Cyclone Dana will follow a northwest trajectory, reaching the coast with sustained winds of 100-110 km/h. Government agencies are fully mobilized to manage evacuations and provide emergency assistance where necessary. The NDRF teams are ready to engage in rescue and relief operations, ensuring that those affected by the cyclone are moved to safer locations.
National Disaster Management Committee Oversees Preparedness
On Monday, the National Disaster Management Committee (NDMC), led by Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan, convened to review the country’s preparedness for the cyclone. During the meeting, the Director General of the IMD provided detailed updates on the storm’s trajectory and projected intensity. In addition to the NDRF, the Indian Army, Navy, and Coast Guard are also on high alert, with rescue teams, aircraft, and ships ready to respond to any emergencies.
The Ministries of Power and Telecommunications have deployed special teams to ensure that emergency services, particularly in power and communication, are swiftly restored in cyclone-affected areas. Somanathan emphasized the importance of safeguarding lives and minimizing property damage, stating, “The aim should be to keep the loss of lives to zero and minimize damage to property and infrastructure.”
Proactive Steps in Odisha and West Bengal
The governments of Odisha and West Bengal have ramped up preventive measures to protect their populations. In Odisha, fishermen have been called back from the sea, and coastal residents are being evacuated to cyclone shelters. Similar actions are being undertaken in West Bengal, where coastal districts have been placed under strict surveillance.
Critical services such as healthcare, power, and water supply are being prepped for emergency deployment. These proactive steps are intended to mitigate the impact of the cyclone on the coastal communities, ensuring that essential infrastructure remains functional. Officials have emphasized their commitment to preventing large-scale loss of life and minimizing property damage.
Central Agencies on Full Alert, Neighboring States Warned
In response to the looming cyclone, central agencies have been placed on full alert to coordinate with state governments. The Cabinet Secretary assured both Odisha and West Bengal of the central government’s readiness to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. Neighboring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, have also been advised to stay vigilant due to potential heavy rainfall. Officials are closely monitoring dam levels to prevent flooding caused by excess water discharge during the storm.
Schools Closed, President’s Visit Postponed
With Cyclone Dana likely to hit Odisha between October 24 and 25, the state government has ordered the closure of schools in 14 districts, including Puri, Balasore, and Mayurbhanj, starting on October 23. These precautionary measures aim to keep students safe as the cyclone threatens to bring heavy rains and high winds to the region. The districts affected are expected to remain shut for three days until the storm passes.
Additionally, President Droupadi Murmu’s planned visit to Odisha, originally scheduled for October 23 to 25, has been postponed due to the cyclone. President Murmu had planned to attend multiple events across the state, including laying the foundation stones for important railway projects. The government decided to delay the visit in light of the cyclone’s expected disruption to the region.
Pilgrims and Tourists Asked to Evacuate Puri
With Puri likely to experience significant impact from Cyclone Dana, the district administration has urged pilgrims and tourists to leave the coastal town by Wednesday. Efforts are being made to evacuate visitors to safer areas ahead of the storm’s landfall. Odisha’s revenue and disaster management minister, Suresh Pujari, stated that steps are being taken to ensure all tourists and pilgrims can safely exit the region before the cyclone arrives.
As Cyclone Dana continues to intensify, Odisha and West Bengal remain on high alert, with both states taking every possible step to minimize the loss of life and property. The coordination between national and state agencies is aimed at ensuring a swift and effective response to one of the season’s most dangerous weather events.
(With inputs from agencies)
