Odisha and Bengal brace for Cyclone Dana’s impact as evacuation measures are in place for tourists and fishermen. Coastal districts on alert for possible landfall between Puri and Sagar Island.
Though Cyclone ‘Dana’ has not yet formed over the Bay of Bengal, both Odisha and Bengal are preparing for its potential impact. If the cyclone develops, it is expected to make landfall between Sagar Island and Puri. In anticipation of the storm, the Odisha government has advised tourists to leave Puri by Wednesday, urging them to return to their home states. The government has also requested that tourists avoid visiting Puri on Thursday and Friday.
Similarly, in Bengal, coastal districts like East Midnapore and South 24 Parganas are on high alert. From Monday, the administration has been broadcasting warnings across various coastal areas such as Namkhana, Sagar Island, Patharpratima, and Bakkhali. Flood shelters and multipurpose cyclone centers are being readied. In East Midnapore, popular tourist destinations like Digha, Mandarmani, and Tajpur are under strict observation, with local authorities advising against sea bathing for the next few days.
Cyclone Forecast and Expected Damage
According to the weather office, the low-pressure area is expected to intensify into a deep depression by Wednesday morning and then transform into a cyclone. As it moves north and northwest over the Bay of Bengal, the storm is expected to gather strength. By Thursday morning, Cyclone Dana could reach the coastal areas of Odisha and Bengal, bringing wind speeds of 110-115 km/h. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island, causing rough sea conditions.
The sea is already rough, with the Eastern and Central Bay of Bengal experiencing high waves. The weather office predicts the sea will become even rougher by Thursday. Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea from Wednesday evening to Friday morning due to dangerous conditions along the coasts of Odisha and Bengal. The cyclone is likely to affect eight districts in Bengal, including the two 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura.
Administrative Preparedness and Alerts
Both Bengal and Odisha governments are on high alert. In Bengal, warnings are being broadcast in coastal areas of South 24 Parganas, and flood shelters are being prepared. Odisha has already issued instructions to close schools in 14 districts from Wednesday to Friday. These districts include Puri, Bhadrak, Baleswar, and Jagatsinghpur, which are expected to be hit hardest by the storm.
In preparation, 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in Bengal, with another 11 teams ready in Odisha. These teams are on standby for deployment in affected areas.
Advisory for Farmers
The cyclone could severely damage crops in both states. The West Bengal Agriculture Department has issued advisories to farmers, instructing them to harvest ripe paddy immediately. Farmers have also been advised to secure papaya, banana, and vegetable crops and ensure proper drainage in fields. The use of pesticides or chemicals is discouraged until weather conditions improve.
Areas Likely to be Affected
In Bengal, the cyclone is expected to impact South 24 Parganas, East and West Midnapore, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura. In Odisha, districts such as Ganjam, Puri, Bhadrak, Balasore, and 10 others are likely to be affected. Schools in these regions will remain closed from Wednesday through Friday.