Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee spent Thursday night at Nabanna, West Bengal’s administrative headquarters, to monitor the trajectory and impact of Cyclone Dana. Despite initial concerns, officials have confirmed minimal disruptions, as the cyclone’s effects have been less severe than expected. However, CM Banerjee continues to actively oversee the situation, ensuring relief operations are promptly conducted in affected areas.
According to sources within Nabanna, Banerjee regularly descended from her 14th-floor office to the control room overnight to stay updated on the latest developments. She was seen in conversation with district magistrates and top police officials to assess on-ground situations. Early Friday afternoon, she was expected to hold a press briefing to provide a comprehensive update on the cyclone’s aftermath and ongoing relief efforts across the state.
Electricity Minister Aroop Biswas also maintained vigilance throughout the night from the state power headquarters in Salt Lake. With cyclone-related power disruptions reported, Biswas monitored the status of power connectivity, particularly focusing on restoring power lines in regions impacted by fallen trees and other debris. His efforts continued through the early hours, after which he returned home with plans for a press briefing later in the day.
Mayor Firhad Hakim, too, remained alert, stationed at the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) headquarters throughout the night. At one point, he even ascended to the rooftop to observe the weather conditions firsthand. From there, Hakim coordinated with the heads of various boroughs, along with council members, to ensure low-lying areas like Thanthania and Mominpur did not experience waterlogging due to the heavy rains. Upon confirming stability in most parts of the city, he finally departed from the KMC headquarters around 5 a.m.
Thursday evening, Banerjee had indicated her intention to stay at Nabanna overnight to keep an eye on Cyclone Dana. Throughout the night, she watched the storm’s progression on the large screens in the Nabanna control room, ensuring real-time responses to any emerging threats. Following a comprehensive review, the administration collectively expressed relief over the cyclone’s limited impact, though Banerjee and her team remain vigilant, prepared to address any developments.
Key takeaways from the Cyclone Dana vigilance:
- Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stayed at Nabanna overnight, monitoring Cyclone Dana’s path.
- Constant updates were obtained from district officials, ensuring timely intervention.
- Electricity Minister Aroop Biswas focused on power restoration in affected regions.
- Mayor Firhad Hakim coordinated flood response efforts from the KMC headquarters.
- The administration remains on alert, though major disruptions have been largely avoided.