As Cyclone Dana approaches the eastern coast of India, significant disruptions are expected in West Bengal and Odisha. The West Bengal government has decided to close schools across nine districts from October 23 to October 26, prioritizing student safety in light of the severe weather forecast. With the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting the cyclone’s intensification into a severe storm by late October 24, it’s crucial for residents to be aware of the ongoing developments to stay safe and prepared.
Forecast and Impact of Cyclone Dana
The IMD has indicated that the depression formed over the Bay of Bengal is expected to strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 23. Forecasts suggest it will make landfall between Puri and Sagar Island, with wind speeds reaching 100-110 km/h and gusts potentially hitting 120 km/h. As the storm approaches, both West Bengal and Odisha are bracing for heavy rains and strong winds.
Rainfall Predictions for West Bengal
In West Bengal, districts such as Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, and Jhargram can expect heavy to very heavy rainfall on October 24 and 25. Residents are advised to prepare for possible flooding and power outages. The IMD has also cautioned fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea between October 23 and 25, as the winds on the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are predicted to reach 60 km/h and may increase further as Cyclone Dana makes landfall.
School Closures and Safety Measures in West Bengal
The West Bengal government has announced the closure of schools across the following nine districts to ensure the safety of students amidst the impending storm:
- South 24 Parganas
- North 24 Parganas
- Purba Medinipur
- Paschim Medinipur
- Jhargram
- Bankura
- Hooghly
- Howrah
- Kolkata
These closures are essential to ensure that students are not exposed to potentially hazardous conditions during the severe weather forecast.
Preparation and Closure Measures in Odisha
In similar measures, the Odisha government has declared a three-day closure of schools across 14 districts, including Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, and Cuttack. The Special Relief Commissioner, Deoranjan Kumar Singh, confirmed that NDRF teams are being mobilized to assist in high-risk areas. Furthermore, 17 Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams will be deployed in districts likely to be impacted by Cyclone Dana.
Government Response and Emergency Management
As Cyclone Dana looms, the IMD’s Director General, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, highlighted that Odisha is poised for significant impacts, particularly in northern regions. In preparation, the Odisha government has canceled all staff leaves from October 23 to 25 to ensure adequate personnel are available for emergency management tasks. An orange alert has been issued for multiple districts, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall, especially in areas like Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati.
Conclusion: Preparing for Cyclone Dana
As Cyclone Dana approaches, authorities in both West Bengal and Odisha are taking proactive measures to protect public safety, including school closures and mobilization of emergency response teams. Residents in affected regions are strongly advised to heed official warnings and prepare for possible disruptions caused by severe weather.
Final Thoughts and Safety Guidelines
Residents in cyclone-prone areas should remain informed through official channels and strictly follow safety advisories issued by local authorities. It is essential to prioritize preparedness, ensuring you and your loved ones are safe as Cyclone Dana approaches.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as emergency advice. Always refer to guidance from local authorities and meteorological departments during severe weather events.