In brief
More than 1.5 million residents are being evacuated from Odisha and West Bengal ahead of Cyclone Dana, expected to make landfall within 24 hours, with severe weather predicted.
As Cyclone Dana approaches, India has initiated a significant evacuation effort, displacing nearly 1.5 million people from coastal regions within the affected eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities mobilized thousands of relief workers to minimize potential damage, while the cyclone is forecasted to intensify into a severe storm by Thursday evening. Transportation disruptions have already begun, with numerous trains and flights being canceled in anticipation of the cyclone's landfall.Odisha, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is evacuating over a million residents from 14 districts, ensuring the establishment of temporary relief shelters equipped with essential supplies. Majhi reassured the public, urging them to remain calm while underscoring the state's preparedness. West Bengal is also taking precautions, evacuating over 300,000 individuals from vulnerable coastal areas.The landfall of Cyclone Dana is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-120 km/h (62-74 mph), alongside heavy rainfall. The Meteorological Department warned that severe weather conditions will persist along the coast for the next day. Local fishermen have been discouraged from venturing into the sea, and emergency plans have been arranged for Paradip port to guarantee the safety of port workers and the surrounding communities. Historically, Odisha and West Bengal are no strangers to powerful storms and cyclones, with the 1999 tragedy in Odisha still fresh in the memories of many, where over 10,000 lives were lost. Last year, cyclonic disturbances resulted in multiple casualties across India and Bangladesh. As Cyclone Dana looms, officials remain on high alert, implementing precautionary measures for the safety of the residents in the potentially affected areas.
