Cyclone Dana: 197 Trains Cancelled, Schools Closed As Bengal, Odisha Await Landfall

A total of 197 trains have been cancelled and educational institutes have been closed in vulnerable parts of West Bengal and Odisha as the two states brace for the landfall of Cyclone Dana in the early hours of October 25.

A depression over the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25 with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph, the Met Office said.

Advising fishermen not to venture into the sea from October 23 to 25, the Met Office warned that wind speed is likely to reach 60 kmph along and off Odisha-West Bengal coasts and gradually increase.

Odisha CM Directs Ministers To Monitor Situation

Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, said that more than 5,000 relief centers have been set up and they are expecting evacuation of around 10 lakh people.

While talking to the media, Pujari said, “This was the last review meeting to take stock of the situation and assess the preparedness at the grassroots level. As of now, more than 5000 relief centers have already been set up with all modern facilities to provide drinking water, food, milk to children, and medicine to the ailing people. We are expecting around 10 lakh evacuation.”

He also highlighted that the telecom department assured that the telecom network won’t collapse at any place.

“Tata Energy has assured us to provide us with round-the-clock power supply and in case of any disruption, we have made arrangements for backup power supply,” the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has directed the ministers to supervise cyclone management in districts that might be affected by cyclone Dana.

In a post on X, the Odisha CM said, “In case of possible storm and heavy rainfall, all the MLAs must be present in their respective constituencies to coordinate with the district administration to deal with the storm and expedite relief and rescue operations. All the MLAs should try their best to stay with the people of their respective constituencies and give them the necessary support.”

Coast Guard On High Alert

The Indian Coast Guard said in a statement that it is on high alert, with its dedicated personnel and assets ready to provide assistance, rescue and relief.

“The ICG has mobilised its vessels and aircraft, positioning them strategically to respond swiftly to any emergency situations,” the statement said.

Coast Guard personnel are working in coordination with the local administration and disaster management authorities in West Bengal and Odisha to ensure a coordinated and effective response, it added.

The ICG deployed helicopters and remote operating stations at Haldia in West Bengal and Paradip in Odisha to broadcast regular weather warnings and safety advisories to fishermen and mariners.

Bengal Ready To Face Cyclone: Mamata

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said her government is ready to face the cyclone.

“Schools will remain closed in seven districts from October 23 to 26 as a precautionary measure. We do not want to take any risk. Schools and colleges are sometimes used as shelters for people,” Banerjee said in Kolkata.

She said that the administration of coastal districts of have been asked to shift all those residing in low-lying areas of these districts.

In West Bengal, the NDRF has deployed 13 teams so far to respond to any situation.

Authorities of the Kolkata airport have started preparations to tackle any situation arising out of a possible cyclonic storm that could hit coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha on October 25, a senior official said on Tuesday.

The standard operating procedures such as inspection of the airport infrastructure and the drainage system, checking and servicing of all installations are being carried out, he said.