‘Very severe’ cyclonic storm Dana is approaching the Odisha coast rapidly and is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district of Odisha and Dhamra in Bhadrak early on Friday with a wind speed up to 120 kmph.
As both Odisha and neighbouring West Bengal braces up for the storm, satellite images have captured its approach and intensity as it barrels toward Odisha coast.
Follow Cyclone Dana live updates here
Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro), in a statement said that its satellites have been closely monitoring the cyclone since October 20.
Two key satellites, the polar-orbiting EOS-06 and the geostationary INSAT-3DR, are delivering crucial data on the cyclone’s development. The EOS-06 Scatterometer sensor is tracking ocean winds and circulation patterns, offering early insight into the storm’s formation and trajectory as the weather department expects wind speed of up to 120 kmph at the time of landfall.
Watch: How Cyclone Dana evolved into ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm from October 19-23
A satellite view also showed the cyclone just a few kilometres away from the coast.
Watch: How Cyclone Dana moved in last 24 hours and its expected course
Meanwhile, heavy rains and gusty winds have taken control of seaside villages since Thursday morning as the storm threatens the coastal areas of Kendrapara, Bhadrak and Balasore districts.
Ahead of Cyclone Dana landfall, the Odisha government has evacuated 3 lakh people, made More than 7000 cyclone shelters and ensured the security of pregnant women.
“Our target is zero casualties. Work is underway to ensure 100% evacuation. Till now, more than 3 lakh people have been evacuated. More than 2,300 pregnant women have been moved to safer places. More than 7000 cyclone shelters are ready. Adequate medical and veterinary teams were also deployed. Police deployed to give a sense of security to the people,” CM Mohan Charan Majhi said.
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also said the administration has identified over 3.5 lakh people to be evacuated from low-lying areas of the state in the wake of the approaching cyclone Dana.
Urging people to take precautionary measures and cooperate with the administration and the police, she said 2,43,374 people have taken shelter in camps.
The Bengal CM said that she would be staying the entire Thursday night at the state secretariat and personally monitor the situation.
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