Cyclone Dana: WB impact expected to be less severe than Amphan; red, orange alerts issued

Kolkata: Officials from the Regional Meteorological Office in Kolkata have indicated that the effects of Cyclone Dana on West Bengal are not expected to be as devastating as those caused by Cyclone Amphan in 2020, which was one of the strongest storms since the 1999 Odisha Cyclone.

Current reports show that Cyclone Dana is located approximately 560 kilometres from Paradeep in Odisha, less than 700 kilometres from Sagar Islands in West Bengal, and near Khepupara in Bangladesh. Meteorologists predict that the cyclone will make landfall between 11:00 pm on Thursday and 5 am on Friday, likely hitting somewhere between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Islands in the South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.

Since forming, Cyclone Dana has gradually gained strength. Coastal areas of West Bengal are already experiencing dark clouds, and Kolkata is also seeing overcast skies. Red and Orange alerts have been issued for several districts in South Bengal, particularly coastal regions, where heavy rainfall is expected over the next two days.

After landfall, wind speeds in West Bengal's coastal areas could reach up to 120 km per hour, while Kolkata may experience maximum wind speeds of around 80 km per hour. Officials have also warned of potential disruptions to communication systems and impacts on embankments in the Sunderbans, as well as damage to crops and the risk of mud houses collapsing.

The coastal districts of East Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, and North 24 Parganas are anticipated to receive the heaviest rainfall as Cyclone Dana approaches.

In response to this impending threat, the West Bengal government has taken precautionary measures. Educational institutions in nine districts of South Bengal will remain closed from October 23 to October 25. Control rooms at both the state and district levels have been established, and fishermen are prohibited from venturing into deep waters. Local authorities are also preparing to evacuate residents from low-lying areas to ensure their safety.

Agency