The Odisha government has intensified its evacuation efforts, focusing on relocating 3.62 lakh people across 38 blocks in 11 districts, as Cyclone Dana’s path and landfall area become increasingly clear. With each passing hour, the severe cyclonic storm moves closer to the Odisha and West Bengal coasts, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to the region.
Coastal districts such as Bhadrak and Kendrapara are already experiencing heavy rainfall, and disaster response teams are working swiftly to remove uprooted trees and clear roads.
Cyclone Dana’s current status:
As of October 24, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Dana is about 210 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha, 240 km south-southeast of Dhamara, and 310 km south of Sagar Island, West Bengal. The cyclone is moving at 12 kmph and is expected to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island, close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara, between midnight on October 24 and the morning of October 25. Winds during landfall are forecasted to reach speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.
State preparations:
Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, held a video conference with district collectors, stating that the administration is fully prepared to handle the cyclone’s impact. The government has focused on evacuating 3.62 lakh people from vulnerable areas, with three lakh people already moved to safety. Officials aim for 100% evacuation from at-risk regions.
The government has set up 7,285 cyclone shelters, including 842 multipurpose shelters, and an additional 6,743 temporary shelters. Special measures have been taken for vulnerable populations, including the evacuation of 2,338 pregnant women to hospitals with secure power backups. Medical and animal husbandry teams have been deployed in affected areas.
Response efforts:
Nineteen National Disaster Response Force units, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force teams, and 220 fire service units are on standby to carry out rescue operations. Additionally, 158 platoons of police have been deployed for patrolling and crowd control.
The IMD has warned of potential damage to thatched houses, minor damage to power and communication lines, flooding of escape routes, and damage to crops in districts such as Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, and others.
Rainfall impact:
Paradip has already recorded 62 mm of rainfall, with Chandbali receiving 46 mm. The intensity of rainfall is expected to increase as the cyclone approaches landfall. Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation closely and are ready to respond to any further developments.
