In response to the impending threat of Cyclone Dana, Indian authorities are orchestrating a significant evacuation, pulling nearly 1.5 million individuals from the high-risk eastern coastal states of Odisha and West Bengal. With landfall anticipated within the next 24 hours, many trains and flights have been canceled as thousands of emergency workers mobilize to mitigate the storm's impact.
India Prepares for Cyclone Dana: Massive Evacuations Underway
India Prepares for Cyclone Dana: Massive Evacuations Underway
As Cyclone Dana approaches, India evacuates nearly 1.5 million people from coastal regions.
The storm, which originated as a depression over the Bay of Bengal, is projected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Thursday evening, potentially bringing wind speeds of 100-120 km/h (62-74 mph) to the coastline. As a precaution, Odisha is moving residents from 14 districts to temporary relief camps equipped with essential supplies and medical facilities.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reassured residents that emergency protocols are in place and urged everyone to remain calm. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don't panic, be safe and be careful,” he said. Alongside Odisha’s evacuation efforts, West Bengal is also preparing to relocate over 300,000 people from its coastal regions, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard lives as schools close and transportation halts.
Fishermen have been forewarned to refrain from venturing into the sea, and contingency planning for Paradip port has been established to protect workers and the local community. The Meteorological Department predicts “heavy to very heavy” rains along the coast for the next 24 hours, reminding regional populations that severe storms are a recurrent threat, especially after the catastrophic 1999 cyclone that claimed over 10,000 lives in Odisha.
In light of the risks, preparations continue across the affected states as the nation braces for Cyclone Dana's impact.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reassured residents that emergency protocols are in place and urged everyone to remain calm. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don't panic, be safe and be careful,” he said. Alongside Odisha’s evacuation efforts, West Bengal is also preparing to relocate over 300,000 people from its coastal regions, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken to safeguard lives as schools close and transportation halts.
Fishermen have been forewarned to refrain from venturing into the sea, and contingency planning for Paradip port has been established to protect workers and the local community. The Meteorological Department predicts “heavy to very heavy” rains along the coast for the next 24 hours, reminding regional populations that severe storms are a recurrent threat, especially after the catastrophic 1999 cyclone that claimed over 10,000 lives in Odisha.
In light of the risks, preparations continue across the affected states as the nation braces for Cyclone Dana's impact.
