Authorities in India are in the process of evacuating nearly 1.5 million people from the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal ahead of Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall in the next 24 hours. The Indian government has mobilized thousands of relief workers in a bid to mitigate the impact of the storm, which is projected to hit with winds between 100-120 km/h.

Key Takeaways:

• 1.5 million people evacuated from Odisha and West Bengal.
• Flights and trains canceled, schools closed in coastal regions.
• Heavy rainfall and wind speeds of 100-120 km/h expected along the coast.

Large-Scale Evacuations Underway

The state of Odisha, already familiar with annual cyclonic activity, is evacuating over a million people from 14 districts, while West Bengal is moving 300,000 residents to temporary shelters. These evacuees are being relocated to relief camps that have been set up with essential supplies such as food, water, and medical services.

Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has reassured the public, stating that the government is fully prepared to handle the situation. He urged residents to stay calm, stating, 

“We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don’t panic, be safe and be careful.”

The approaching cyclone has significantly disrupted transportation across the region. Flight operations in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata have been suspended from Thursday evening through Friday morning, while over 200 trains have been canceled as a precautionary measure. Schools along the coast have been closed, and fishermen have been warned to stay off the seas.

Additionally, Paradip Port in Odisha has activated contingency plans to ensure the safety of port workers and nearby residents. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy to very heavy rainfall in the coastal regions over the next 24 hours as the cyclone intensifies.

Historic Impact of Cyclones in the Region

Odisha and West Bengal are no strangers to severe cyclones. In 1999, a supercyclone in Odisha claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in Indian history. More recently, in 2023, a cyclone that struck India and Bangladesh left 16 dead.

With the potential for widespread damage, the Indian authorities are on high alert, ensuring the safety of residents in vulnerable areas. Fishermen have been advised to avoid going to sea, and state rescue teams are prepared for post-landfall relief efforts.

As the nation braces for Cyclone Dana’s landfall, authorities continue to urge citizens to follow safety guidelines and remain indoors until further updates are provided.