The imminent landfall of Tropical Cyclone Dana has prompted large-scale evacuations and emergency preparedness measures in Odisha and West Bengal, with the region bracing for potential widespread damage.
**India's Substantial Evacuation Effort Ahead of Cyclone Dana's Impact**
**India's Substantial Evacuation Effort Ahead of Cyclone Dana's Impact**
As Cyclone Dana threatens India's eastern coast, authorities evacuate approximately one million residents to ensure safety.
About a million people were evacuated from coastal areas in Odisha and West Bengal on Thursday as Tropical Cyclone Dana barreled towards landfall, prompting immediate safety measures. The storm, comparable to a Category 1 hurricane with winds reaching 75 miles per hour, is expected to hit the Odisha coast late Thursday night.
Authorities in Odisha reported that over 5,000 relief camps have been established to accommodate the displaced population, according to Suresh Pujari, the state's minister of revenue and disaster management. Evacuations were also carried out in West Bengal, with local news sources confirming moves to safeguard residents.
Dana raises alarm bells as it approaches a region that faced catastrophic damage from the 1999 cyclone, which killed near 10,000 individuals, particularly affecting Odisha, one of the most impoverished states in India. The majority of the population in this state resides in precarious shelters near the coast, raising concerns of severe consequences.
Fortunately, lessons learned from past disasters have strengthened Odisha's preparedness. The state has implemented a disaster management agency, constructed emergency shelters, and developed clear evacuation routes. This proactive approach, informed by the 1999 experience, has made timely evacuations possible.
In addition to the evacuations, India's navy and disaster relief teams have been deployed, prepared for rapid response. The India Meteorological Department issued warnings of potential cyclones and heavy rainfall, predicting two to four inches of rain overnight, with some regions possibly receiving over eight inches.
Disruption to daily activities has been extensive, with flights grounded across key airports, including Kolkata and Biju Patnaik International Airport, due to suspensions lasting at least 15 hours. Indian Railways reported the cancellation of more than 100 train services, and educational institutions across several districts closed in anticipation of the storm.
Marine operations along the Bay of Bengal are also on hold until Dana passes. Authorities warn that the cyclone could inflict damage on infrastructure, agricultural lands, and crucial utilities, potentially leading to catastrophic flooding and landslides.
