A powerful cyclonic storm, Cyclone Dana, is hurtling towards the eastern coast of India, with Odisha and Bengal bracing for impact. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted that the cyclone will make landfall on October 25, bringing with it heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges that could cause widespread damage and flooding.
THE PATH OF DESTRUCTION
Cyclone Dana is expected to cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island on October 25, as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting to 120 kmph. The IMD has warned of heavy to very heavy rainfall in isolated areas of Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati in Odisha, and Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas in West Bengal.
The cyclone is likely to cause extensive damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings, and disrupt power and communication services. The storm surge is expected to inundate low-lying areas, causing flooding and displacement of people living in coastal regions.
PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY
The Odisha government has declared a three-day closure of schools in 14 districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Cuttack. The government has also requested additional teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) to be deployed in the affected areas, adding to the existing teams already in position.
In West Bengal, the government has announced the closure of schools in nine districts from October 23 to October 26. The IMD has advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea from October 23 to 25, as winds along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are expected to reach 60 kmph and increase further as the storm approaches.
EVACUATION EFFORTS
The Odisha government has mobilized heavy machinery operators as part of their emergency response teams. The government has also initiated evacuations from high-risk areas, with a focus on relocating pregnant women, children, and the elderly to safer locations.
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) has urged neighboring states, including Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, to prepare for heavy rainfall and potential flooding. The Centre has also mobilized additional rescue and relief teams from the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard to provide emergency assistance if needed.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND CYCLONES
Cyclones form from low-pressure systems over warm waters, such as the Bay of Bengal, where Cyclone Dana originated. As air converges towards the center of the system, it begins to rotate and pick up wind speeds. Cyclonic storms bring with them strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surges that can cause flooding and widespread damage to infrastructure.
NAMING CYCLONES
Cyclone Dana is the second major cyclonic storm to hit the Indian coast within two months, following Cyclone Asna in August. The name “Dana” was contributed by Qatar under the tropical cyclone naming system managed by the World Meteorological OrganZsation (WMO). In Arabic, “Dana” means “generosity” or “bounty.” The WMO naming system aims to enhance public awareness and make communication about these storms more effective across countries.
As Cyclone Dana bears down on Odisha and Bengal, the people of these states are bracing for impact. With the government and emergency response teams working tirelessly to prepare for the storm, the hope is that the damage will be minimized and the people will be safe.