Cyclone Dana: Odisha, WB Brace For Landfall Tonight; Trains Cancelled, Flights Suspended | Key Updates

As Cyclone Dana nears the Odisha coast, with landfall anticipated by October 25, the state is preparing to evacuate approximately 1 million people from various coastal districts.

Meanwhile, over 114,000 people in West Bengal have already been relocated to shelters as a precaution.

Photo Credit: PTI

Key developments:

Odisha Evacuations

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reviewed the state's preparations, noting that only 30% of the population, around 300,000-400,000 people, in the designated 'danger zone' had been evacuated by Wednesday evening.

Cyclone Impact

Cyclone Dana, with wind speeds expected to reach 120 km/h (75 mph), is projected to strike between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha by Friday morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal, the cyclone is set to bring heavy rainfall to southern West Bengal, including Kolkata.

Transport Disruptions

Train Cancellations

The Eastern and South Eastern Railways have cancelled a large number of trains on October 24 and 25 as a precaution. More than 170 express and passenger trains operating within the South Eastern Railway (SER) region have been cancelled, with further cancellations possible depending on the storm's progress.

The Eastern Railway (ER) has suspended all EMU local train services from Sealdah station in its southern and Hasnabad sections from 8 pm on October 24 until 10 am on October 25.

The last trains from coastal areas such as Hasnabad and Namkhana will leave for Sealdah by 7 pm on October 24. Additionally, 68 suburban trains have been cancelled in ER's Howrah division on October 25.

Flight Suspensions

Flights at Kolkata's Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport will be suspended for 15 hours, from 6 pm on October 25 to 9 am on October 26, as a precaution ahead of Cyclone Dana's landfall.

Schools Closures

West Bengal

The state government has announced the closure of schools and educational institutions in several districts.

Academic activities in seven districts-including North and South 24 Parganas, Purba and Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata-will be suspended from October 23 to 26.

Odisha

All educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, will remain shut in 14 districts until October 25, in anticipation of the cyclone.

Rescue Operations

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 56 teams across five states, including Odisha and West Bengal, in preparation for Cyclone Dana. Out of the 56 teams, 45 are actively deployed in the states that requested assistance.

Coast Guard Preparedness

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is on "high alert", mobilising vessels and aircraft to be ready for swift responses to any emergency.

The ICG has been closely monitoring the situation and has taken proactive steps to ensure preparedness for dealing with any emergencies arising from the cyclone, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defence.

Power Helplines

The Odisha Power Department has provided emergency helpline numbers-8900793503, 19221 (WBSEDCL), and 1912 (CESC)-for the public to report any power-related emergencies.

The cyclone is expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm as it moves towards the northwestern Bay of Bengal, with major weather impacts forecasted in both Odisha and West Bengal.