Cyclone Dana Impact: The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a cyclonic storm, named Dana, and is moving toward the Odisha-Bengal coastline. According to the latest update from the IMD, Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika Park and Dhamra Port on Friday, October 25. The Meteorological Department has issued alerts for heavy rainfall in various districts, and nearly 1 million people from vulnerable coastal areas are being evacuated to relief camps.

Odisha and West Bengal governments, along with the Coast Guard, NDRF, and other rescue teams, are on high alert. Schools in coastal districts have been closed, and evacuation efforts have begun. The cyclone is projected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 mph, with gusts up to 120 mph, as it approaches the Odisha-West Bengal coastline.

The Odisha government has started relocating people from high-risk areas and preparing multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters. These shelters are equipped with food, water, lighting, sanitation, and healthcare services.

According to the IMD, 14 districts in Odisha and several in West Bengal, including South and North 24 Parganas and Purba Medinipur, are most vulnerable to the impact of Cyclone Dana.

Security personnel at Dhamra in Odisha are actively warning visitors of the storm’s potential dangers.