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India

LOCAL Alert: Cyclone Dana (23 Oct 2024)

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About the disaster

Cyclone Dana is currently intensifying over the Bay of Bengal, posing a significant threat to the eastern coastal regions of India. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), it is expected to become a severe cyclonic storm by October 24, 2024, and will likely make landfall between Puri (Odisha) and Sagar Island (West Bengal) during the night of October 24 or early October 25. The cyclone is anticipated to bring wind speeds of 100-120 km/h, along with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in parts of Odisha and West Bengal.

The Odisha government is actively preparing for the storm's landfall, which is predicted to occur between Puri and Sagar Island on the night of October 24 or the morning of October 25. Measures include the cancellation of 198 trains, deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams (including a women's squad for the first time), and the preparation of cyclone shelters and temporary accommodations. The government plans to evacuate around 100,000 people, with efforts already underway.

In Odisha, the districts of Puri, Ganjam, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, and Balasore are at high risk. In West Bengal, areas such as Sagar Island (South 24 Parganas), East Medinipur, Kolkata (which may experience moderate impact), Howrah, and Hooghly are likely to be affected. These regions are expected to experience high winds of 100-120 km/h, heavy to extremely heavy rainfall, and potential storm surges, particularly in low-lying coastal areas.