Thousands Evacuated as Cyclone Dana Approaches India’s Eastern Coast
As Cyclone Dana approaches India’s eastern coast, authorities are evacuating hundreds of thousands of residents from vulnerable coastal areas in Odisha and West Bengal. This powerful cyclone, currently located over the Bay of Bengal, is projected to make landfall between midnight (18:30 GMT on Thursday) and Friday morning. With wind speeds reaching 100-110 km/h (62-68 mph) and gusts up to 120 km/h (75 mph), preparations are underway to mitigate the potential devastation.
Evacuation Efforts Intensified
In Odisha, state health minister Mukesh Mahaling reported that nearly a million people are being evacuated to cyclone shelters. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety of those living along the coastline, which is particularly susceptible to the severe weather conditions expected from the cyclone.
In West Bengal, government minister Bankim Chandra Hazra confirmed that evacuations of more than 100,000 individuals have commenced. The eye of Cyclone Dana is expected to hit the coast near the coal-exporting port of Dhamara, situated about 230 km (140 miles) southwest of West Bengal’s capital, Kolkata.
The impending cyclone has led to significant disruptions in transportation. Flights to and from airports in both Odisha and West Bengal, including the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata, will be suspended from Thursday evening until Friday morning. The suspension aims to ensure passenger safety as the cyclone approaches.
Additionally, authorities have canceled around 200 trains in Odisha, and schools in the areas projected to bear the brunt of the storm have been closed. The focus is on keeping residents safe and minimizing the risks associated with travel during the cyclone.
Fishermen and Tourists Advised to Take Precautions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings to fishing crews, advising them to remain off the water. Television footage has depicted fishermen hurriedly securing their boats and straw homes with ropes to prevent damage from the approaching storm.
In coastal tourist hotspots, visitors are being urged to leave beach resorts and seek refuge in designated shelters. In the city of Puri, tourists flocked to the railway station in a rush to depart before the cyclone hits. Rail spokesman Kaushik Mitea highlighted the urgency among tourists to vacate the area.
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As Cyclone Dana is expected to impact neighboring Bangladesh, the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has announced that “extensive preparations” are underway to safeguard the population. With both India and Bangladesh being vulnerable to cyclones during the monsoon season, preparations have become increasingly crucial.
Severe storms frequently lash coastal cities in India and Bangladesh between April and December each year, often resulting in significant damage. Odisha’s most catastrophic cyclone in recent history occurred in 1999, causing over 10,000 fatalities and leaving a lasting impact on the region.
In May, another cyclone resulted in at least 16 deaths across India and Bangladesh, with wind speeds reaching up to 135 km/h (84 mph). These past experiences have instilled a sense of urgency in current preparedness efforts, as both states brace for the onslaught of Cyclone Dana.
The response from local communities has been commendable, with many residents and organizations stepping in to assist those affected by the evacuations. Shelters are being prepared, and efforts are being made to ensure that the displaced individuals have access to basic necessities during this critical period.
Residents are expressing gratitude for the government’s proactive measures and the efforts made by emergency services to facilitate safe evacuations. In the face of adversity, community solidarity is shining through as people come together to support one another.
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With Cyclone Dana poised to make landfall, the emphasis on safety and preparedness is paramount. As the storm approaches, the focus remains on the well-being of vulnerable populations in Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities are committed to mitigating the cyclone’s impact through coordinated evacuation efforts and community support.
In the coming days, it will be crucial to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as Cyclone Dana progresses. The resilience and determination of the communities along the eastern coast of India will be tested, and ongoing efforts will be made to ensure that lives are safeguarded during this challenging time.
