Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall on the Odisha coast between Thursday night and Friday morning, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). This severe cyclonic storm is predicted to bring wind speeds of 100-110 km/h, with gusts possibly reaching 120 km/h. These conditions could result in dangerous weather scenarios, including heavy rainfall and storm surges.Coastal communities are advised to prepare for severe impacts, and emergency services are mobilizing to assist in evacuations and implement safety measures to minimize the risks associated with the storm.
What is Cyclone Dana?
Cyclone Dana is a tropical storm, which refers to storms that develop in regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. As the cyclone progresses, it is intensifying, bringing significant winds and heavy rainfall, posing threats to affected coastal regions.
How do tropical cyclones form?
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), tropical cyclones form when thunderstorms develop near the center of a storm’s circulation. These thunderstorms, combined with spiraling winds, generate the intense rainfall and winds associated with cyclones. Cyclone Dana fits this pattern, evolving into a powerful system over the Bay of Bengal.
What is the origin and meaning of Cyclone Dana?
The name “Dana” was suggested by Qatar through the World Meteorological Organization/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP). In Arabic, “Dana” means “generosity.” This naming convention follows the standard practice in the region, where member countries propose names for upcoming storms.
Where will Cyclone Dana make landfall?
Cyclone Dana is currently moving northwest over the Bay of Bengal and is likely to intensify further before making landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha. The IMD reported that the cyclone is expected to hit the area during the night of October 24 and the morning of October 25, 2024.
What areas will be affected by Cyclone Dana?
- Odisha: Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected in several districts, including Baleswar, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsingpur, Cuttack, and Puri. The storm’s impact will primarily affect coastal and interior areas.
- West Bengal: Heavy rain and flooding are expected in the districts of South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura.
What safety measures are being taken by the government to protect people from Cyclone Dana?
Odisha has evacuated over 1 million residents from high-risk areas in anticipation of Cyclone Dana. The state has deployed 20 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, 51 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams, 200 fire service teams, and additional police forces to assist in rescue and relief operations. The state government has identified over 3,000 vulnerable locations and initiated the evacuation process.
Cyclone Dana preparations and warnings
The IMD has issued high-level warnings for the regions expected to experience extreme weather conditions, urging residents to remain indoors and avoid travel.
Flight and train disruptions: Airports in West Bengal have suspended flights, while numerous trains in the region have been canceled as a precautionary measure.
Ecological and wildlife concerns
Bhitarkanika National Park, home to India’s second-largest mangrove ecosystem after the Sundarbans, is expected to be near the cyclone’s landfall zone. Wildlife authorities have formed teams to rescue displaced crocodiles and other animals that may be driven into human settlements by rising water levels.
Government response
Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the state’s readiness to handle the situation, reassuring citizens that the administration is fully prepared. The government is closely monitoring the situation, coordinating with district authorities, and implementing measures to ensure public safety.