Bhubaneswar: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that Cyclone ‘Dana’ is likely to make landfall between Odisha’s Puri and West Bengal’s Sagar Island as a severe cyclonic storm on October 24-25. The storm is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching up to 120 kmph, posing a significant risk to the coastal regions.
In its special bulletin, the IMD reported that a well-marked low-pressure area over the Eastcentral Bay of Bengal has moved west-northwestwards, signaling the formation of the cyclone. “The low-pressure area over Eastcentral Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea has intensified and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23,” the bulletin stated.
Cyclone Path and Intensity
Cyclone ‘Dana’ is forecasted to move northwestwards, reaching the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24. The IMD predicts that the cyclone will continue to intensify, making landfall between Puri and Sagar Island during the night of October 24 or the early hours of October 25. During this time, it will likely intensify into a severe cyclonic storm, with gale winds reaching up to 120 kmph.
Rainfall and Wind Warnings
The IMD has issued rainfall warnings for Odisha and West Bengal, forecasting light to moderate rainfall across most areas in Odisha starting on October 23. Heavy rainfall is expected in isolated areas on that day, with extremely heavy rainfall predicted in several regions on October 24 and 25 as the cyclone intensifies.
Along the coastal regions, squally winds of 40-50 kmph gusting to 60 kmph are expected to begin along the Odisha coast from the evening of October 23. By the night of October 24, winds will intensify to 100-110 kmph, accompanied by dangerous sea conditions, continuing until the morning of October 25.
Preparations and Advisories
Authorities in Odisha and West Bengal have been alerted to prepare for the approaching cyclone. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the Bay of Bengal from October 23 onward, and local governments are taking steps to evacuate vulnerable areas.
The IMD has urged people in coastal regions to stay updated with weather alerts and follow the guidelines issued by disaster management authorities to ensure their safety during the cyclone’s passage.