Cyclone Dana Alert: PM Modi Talks to Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi, Helpline Numbers Released

Cyclone Dana has significantly disrupted normal life in Bhubaneswar, Odisha's capital, with the city experiencing strong winds and heavy rainfall. The cyclone has led to major service suspensions and widespread disruptions across the region. Vehicle movement in the city has been sparse, and only a few people were seen at key transit hubs like the Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal, airport, and railway station. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Deputy Inspector General Mohsen Shahedi confirmed that 20 teams are stationed in Odisha and 17 teams in West Bengal, bracing for Cyclone Dana's anticipated landfall.

Authorities have strongly advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. Emergency response teams are on high alert, and the state government has activated disaster management protocols to handle any potential emergencies. Train services have been halted as a precautionary measure, affecting transportation between cities. Additionally, flight operations at Biju Patnaik International Airport have been suspended, causing travel disruptions for passengers.

Trains and Flights Cancelled

Due to the cyclone, vehicular movement has been notably sparse in the state capital. A few passengers were spotted at Bhubaneswar's usually busy railway station after the East Coast Railway (ECoR) cancelled 203 trains. Some tourists, including a family from Maharashtra, were seen taking refuge at the station. "We visited Jagannath Temple in Puri and were scheduled to return home by train, but we received a message that our train had been cancelled. So we are taking shelter here," a tourist shared.

At Biju Patnaik International Airport, flight services have been suspended from 5 pm on October 24 to 9 am on October 25. This 16-hour halt will affect around 40 domestic and international flights, disrupting travel plans for many.

Educational Institutions and Public Services Affected

The Odisha state government closed all educational institutions in Bhubaneswar from October 23 to 25 as a precaution. While government offices, banks, and businesses remained open, footfall was notably lower than on regular days. Even the state-run Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar reported a "very minimal footfall" during the day, according to an official.

Cyclone Dana's Landfall Timing

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is expected to make landfall around midnight on Thursday. The storm is forecast to strike between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak early Friday, with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h. Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected, particularly in Bhubaneswar, making it unsafe for flight operations.

In preparation for the cyclone, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and firefighting teams have deployed pumps to drain rainwater from low-lying areas. High mast lights across the city have also been lowered as a safety measure.

Odisha govt releases district helpline numbers - Check list

The Odisha government has released district helpline numbers as the cyclone is expected to make landfall.