Cyclone Dana Live Updates: ‘100% evacuation’ from areas at risk as IMD issues heavy rainfall alert for Odisha, Bengal

The low pressure area, set to transform into a cyclonic storm by October 23, will hit Odisha and West Bengal coast on October 24-25. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued heavy rainfall alert for the two states. 

The meteorological department has predicted the cyclonic storm to hit the Odisha-West Bengal coast this week. The exact location of the landfall is not known, but IMD said, “…the system is very likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 and early morning October 25 as a severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 100-110 km ph with gusting 120 kmph”

The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday said it was on high alert and had mobilised its vessels and aircraft to respond swiftly to any contingency owing to a cyclonic storm that was likely to form over the Bay of Bengal. 

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

Odisha govt on Tuesday said it has kept ready around 800 cyclone shelters for people who will be evacuated from vulnerable areas.  Officials have so far visited 250 cyclone relief centres where the people will be housed after evacuation, Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management minister Suresh Pujari said, adding that  food, water, medicine, electricity and other essentials are kept in readiness for the people to be evacuated due to the impending cyclone. 

Odisha CM on Monday said that preparations are underway to deal with Cyclone Dana. The Chief Minister said that cyclone shelters will be equipped with all necessities and essential commodities. “Discussion was also held for early restoration of power and water supply and telephone and road communication. Uninterrupted electricity will be ensured to hospitals. The concerned department has already kept a close watch to prevent hoarding or overcharging of essential commodities,” the Chief Minister said.