Over 10 lakh people evacuated as Cyclone Dana nears Odisha and West Bengal

At least 10 lakh people on India's eastern coast are taking shelter ahead of Cyclone Dana, predicted to make landfall early Friday morning. The cyclone, classified as a "severe cyclonic storm," is expected to hit the coasts of West Bengal and Odisha, affecting around 15 crore residents, according to central weather bureau.

Wind Speeds and Damage Predictions
The storm is anticipated to bring wind gusts of up to 120 kilometres per hour (74 miles), which could cause "major damage" to thatch-roofed houses prevalent in the region. Major airports, including Kolkata, have suspended operations overnight due to the forecasted heavy rain.

Government Preparedness and Evacuations
India's navy has positioned two ships equipped with supplies and rescue teams in anticipation of the storm's impact. Government disaster response teams are actively patrolling streets, broadcasting warnings urging residents to seek shelter. In Odisha, nearly one million coastal residents have been relocated to cyclone centres, while over 100,000 have evacuated from West Bengal.

Local Conditions and Evacuation Challenges
As severe cyclonic storm Dana nears, residents in Odisha's Kendrapara district are rushing to relief camps amid intermittent rain and gusty winds. Rabindra Maity, a local from Talchua village, expressed concern about the tidal surge, which could exceed two metres (6.5 feet). He noted, "We rushed back to the cyclone centre this morning" as the sea becomes turbulent.

Response in West Bengal
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced the identification of over 356,941 individuals for evacuation from low-lying areas. Banerjee is personally monitoring the situation and has urged the public not to spread panic or ignore evacuation orders. Educational institutions have been closed to ensure student safety.

Impact on Jharkhand
Parts of Jharkhand are also bracing for heavy rainfall as Cyclone Dana approaches. An orange alert has been issued for the Kolhan region, with expected rainfall ranging from 115 mm to 204 mm. Meteorological officials have reported thunderstorms and gusty winds of up to 60 km per hour.

Historical Context and Future Concerns
Cyclones are a frequent threat in the northern Indian Ocean, and scientists warn that climate change is intensifying these storms. The increasing energy from warmer ocean surfaces has resulted in more powerful weather systems, leading to severe flooding and damage. However, improved forecasting and evacuation planning have significantly reduced casualties in recent years.

As Cyclone Dana approaches, authorities are working diligently to mitigate risks and ensure the safety of residents along the eastern coast. The storm's impact will be closely monitored as it threatens to bring heavy rains and dangerous tidal surges.

Agencies