Cyclone Dana to Hit Odisha-West Bengal Coast with Winds Up to 120 kmph

Kolkata: Cyclonic storm Dana is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal between the night of October 24 and the early hours of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, currently a well-marked low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal, will intensify into a cyclone by October 23.

Odisha is on high alert, with the Special Relief Commissioner’s office monitoring the situation. NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services are being mobilized to high-risk districts, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Puri. Coastal Odisha will face heavy rain and strong winds starting October 23, with the intensity peaking on October 24-25. A red warning has been issued for northern districts due to anticipated rainfall of up to 30 cm, while orange and yellow alerts cover the rest of the state.

Authorities have cancelled leave for key officials, readied evacuation plans, and warned against black market practices. Fishermen have been advised to stay ashore, and district administrations have prepared shelters and mobilized relief teams.