Cyclone ‘Dana,’ currently positioned over the east-central Bay of Bengal, is set to intensify tonight, according to the Alipore Meteorological Department. The cyclone is expected to gain strength after 11:30 PM and become a severe cyclonic storm by early Thursday morning. Meteorologists predict that the storm will bring wind speeds of 100 km/h or more by Thursday.
Winds Reaching 80-90 km/h Over the Sea:
At present, winds over the sea are reaching speeds of 80 to 90 kilometers per hour due to Cyclone ‘Dana.’ The cyclone’s current speed is around 12 km/h, and it is gradually moving northwestward from its position in the Bay of Bengal. By tonight, the wind speed will likely increase to 90-100 km/h, further intensifying into a severe cyclone by midnight. On Thursday morning, the winds could reach speeds of over 100 km/h.
West Bengal Coastlines Bracing for Impact:
Coastal areas of West Bengal, particularly in East Midnapore, West Midnapore, and parts of South 24 Parganas, are on high alert as heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected to increase from Thursday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until the storm subsides.
According to the Meteorological Department, the cyclone’s current position is 460 kilometers southeast of Paradip, 490 kilometers south-southeast of Dhamra, and 540 kilometers south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The cyclone is projected to move further north-westward, causing widespread heavy rainfall across the region.
High-Risk Areas and Potential Damage:
The East Midnapore district is expected to be the most affected by Cyclone ‘Dana.’ Heavy to very heavy rainfall warnings have been issued for the district, with red alerts in place. Kolkata and the surrounding districts will also experience gusty winds, with speeds of 40 to 50 km/h expected from Wednesday night, increasing to 80 km/h by Thursday and Friday.
Landfall and Reduced Intensity:
Cyclone ‘Dana’ is expected to make landfall between Odisha’s Bhitarkanika and Dhamra by Thursday night or Friday morning. Upon landfall, wind speeds could reach 100 to 110 km/h, with gusts potentially hitting 120 km/h. After making landfall, the storm’s intensity is expected to gradually decrease. By Friday morning, wind speeds could drop to 95-105 km/h, and further decrease to 65-75 km/h by Friday night.
Post-Landfall Forecast:
The storm will likely weaken further as it moves inland, losing strength by Saturday and turning into a depression. The weather office predicts that the cyclone will transform into a low-pressure area by Saturday. Odisha and West Bengal’s coastal regions will experience heavy rain, with Kolkata expected to see significant rainfall until Friday. Waterlogging in parts of the city is anticipated due to continuous rain.
Preventive Measures and Public Alerts:
Authorities have advised coastal residents and fishermen to remain cautious and avoid going near the sea. Disaster management teams have been deployed to the coastal areas in preparation for the storm’s impact. Electrical outages and disruptions to essential services are also expected, depending on the storm’s severity.
In Kolkata, the administration has issued warnings about heavy to very heavy rain, which may lead to flooding in low-lying areas. Residents are advised to stay indoors and follow local authorities’ safety guidelines until the storm subsides.