October 25, 2024: Cyclone Dana made landfall along the eastern coast of India late yesterday, bringing with it torrential rain and fierce winds that have severely impacted parts of Odisha and West Bengal. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the storm, classified as a “severe cyclonic storm,” hit near Balasore in Odisha before progressing inland, where it continues to cause widespread damage and disruption.
Heavy Rains Flood Coastal Areas
Several coastal districts in both Odisha and West Bengal are experiencing heavy downpours and flooding. In Odisha, areas such as Balasore, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur are among the worst affected, with rivers swelling due to excessive rainfall. In West Bengal, districts like East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas are also facing severe waterlogging.
According to the IMD, Cyclone Dana packed wind speeds of up to 120 km/h at the time of landfall, uprooting trees, damaging buildings, and causing power outages across multiple districts.
Government Steps Up Rescue Operations
State governments in both Odisha and West Bengal have been working tirelessly to mitigate the cyclone’s impact. In Odisha, over 50,000 residents from low-lying coastal areas were evacuated to safer locations before the storm struck. West Bengal also undertook similar measures, relocating thousands of people to cyclone shelters.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed several teams in the most affected regions to assist with rescue and relief operations. Early reports suggest that while property damage is extensive, the prompt evacuations have helped prevent a large number of casualties. So far, no major loss of life has been reported.
Flight and Train Services Disrupted
Due to the severity of the cyclone, flight and train operations have been heavily disrupted. Several flights were canceled at Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport and Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. However, Bhubaneswar airport has announced that flight operations will resume today at 8 AM as conditions improve.
Railway services across Odisha and West Bengal have also been affected, with several trains either canceled or delayed due to waterlogged tracks and debris. Authorities are working to restore services as quickly as possible.
IMD Issues Warning for Interior Areas
As Cyclone Dana moves inland, the IMD has issued warnings for heavy rainfall in interior parts of Odisha and Jharkhand. The storm is expected to weaken over the next 24 hours, but the threat of flash floods and landslides remains in several areas. Residents in vulnerable regions have been advised to remain cautious and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.
Relief Efforts Underway
In the aftermath of the cyclone, both state governments and central agencies have ramped up relief efforts. Emergency teams are distributing food, water, and medical supplies to those in need. Restoration of power and communication lines is a priority as teams work around the clock to bring life back to normal.
As the storm continues its course inland, authorities urge residents to stay updated on weather alerts and avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas. The IMD will continue to monitor the cyclone’s progress and issue updates as needed.
Stay tuned for the latest live updates on Cyclone Dana’s impact on Odisha, West Bengal, and surrounding regions.
