Cyclone Dana: Severe damage in Odisha, Bengal; 4 lives lost in WB

Bhubaneswar/Kolkata: Severe cyclonic storm Dana struck the eastern coast early Friday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds that uprooted trees and power poles, causing significant damage to infrastructure and crops in parts of Odisha and West Bengal.

While Odisha reported achieving its ‘zero casualty mission,’ there were two fatalities reported in West Bengal. As Cyclone Dana weakened into a deep depression and moved west, authorities quickly launched relief and recovery efforts in the affected areas.

In both Odisha and West Bengal, flights, trains, and bus services resumed shortly after the storm passed, as officials worked to assess and clear the damage. The cyclone made landfall between Dhamra and Bhitarkanika just after midnight.

Aftermath in Odisha

Odisha Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed reporters that damage assessments would start on Saturday and be completed within a week. He noted that major road blockages caused by fallen trees had been cleared and communication restored. "Those who lost their homes in the cyclone will be provided with pucca houses," Pujari added, noting that approximately 6 lakh people have been evacuated to safety.

Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, who oversees the energy department, said that about 95 percent of the affected 33 KV power lines had been restored, with the rest expected to be operational soon. He assured that teams were working hard to restore power, especially in isolated areas facing challenges due to heavy rainfall.

Coastal Odisha experienced severe damage from high winds and tidal surges, with winds reaching speeds of 100 km/h. Thousands of trees were uprooted, particularly in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore. Tidal surges of around two meters caused seawater to flood areas near Bhitarkanika National Park.

Earlier, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the state's "Zero Casualty Mission," praising the evacuation of around 600,000 residents before the cyclone hit. Majhi who reviewed the situation in the morning, said, "There is no report of any death of any human life. Our zero casualty Mission has been successful with the cooperation of everyone."

Aftermath in West Bengal

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed one death related to Cyclone Dana, with about 216,000 people evacuated from low-lying areas. After monitoring the situation overnight, she instructed officials to ensure relief supplies reached those affected. "Only one person died in this natural disaster. The man died at his residence at Patharpratima block in South 24 Parganas while conducting some cable-related work. It is quite unfortunate. The post-mortem examination will give us a clear picture. If required, we (state government) will help the family," Banerjee said.

In Kolkata, a 24-year-old man named Sourav Gupta died after being electrocuted. His body has been sent for autopsy.

The coastal districts of Purba Medinipur and South 24 Parganas faced severe impacts, with significant damage to homes, uprooted trees, and downed power lines. There were also reports of breaches in mud embankments and flooding in low-lying areas, including the Kapil Muni temple in Gangasagar.

Cyclone Dana also affected rice farming, flattening vast paddy fields and submerging crops. Farmers in Paschim Medinipur expressed concerns over additional losses following recent floods.

Meanwhile, parts of Kolkata experienced heavy waterlogging into the afternoon as the cyclone brought relentless rain, inundating various areas of the city.

Dana made landfall around 8:30 am on Friday, taking about eight and a half hours to move inland, according to the IMD. The cyclone began its landfall around 12:05 am, with wind speeds of approximately 110 km/h. The IMD has warned of more heavy rainfall until Saturday morning, issuing a red alert for Bhadrak, Balasore, Keonjhar, and Mayurbhanj districts.

Agency