Severe Cyclonic Storm Forecast to Bring Heavy Rain and Strong Winds to Bengal and Odisha

The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal intensified on Monday. It is expected to develop into a severe cyclonic storm by October 23. The storm is likely to reach the coasts near Odisha and West Bengal by the next day, bringing heavy rainfall to these states for three days until Friday, according to the Meteorological Department.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea from October 23 to 25. Wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are predicted to reach 60 kmph from Wednesday, increasing to 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph, from the night of October 24 until the morning of October 25.

Severe Weather Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stated that the cyclone is likely to cross between Puri and Sagar Island as a severe storm on the night of October 24 or early morning of October 25. Wind speeds are expected to be between 100-110 kmph, with gusts reaching 120 kmph.

A red warning has been issued for heavy rainfall in Odisha's Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts on October 24. Rainfall could range from 7 to over 20 cm, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. In West Bengal, heavy rain is forecasted for Purba and Paschim Medinipur and North and South 24 Parganas on October 23.

Impact on Events and Travel

The inauguration of a Rs 450 crore passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border has been postponed due to Cyclone Dana. Home Minister Amit Shah was scheduled to inaugurate it on October 23. President Droupadi Murmu's three-day visit to Odisha from Wednesday has also been delayed due to the cyclone threat.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to ensure complete evacuation from areas likely to be affected by the cyclone. He also directed them to stock adequate food, water, and medicines in cyclone shelters. Majhi reassured residents that the state is fully prepared for the cyclone.

Preparedness Measures

The Chief Minister urged people not to panic as preparations are in place. Officials have been told to restore road communication, telecommunication, and electricity supply in vulnerable areas promptly. The government aims for "Zero Casualty" during Cyclone Dana.

Majhi also instructed district collectors in Puri and Jagatsinghpur to ensure fishermen return safely before the cyclone hits. Eleven fishermen from these districts are currently at sea. IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra mentioned that Odisha will face high-speed winds and heavy rainfall due to the cyclone.

Warnings for Other Regions

An orange warning has been issued for heavy rainfall in Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts. A yellow warning is in place for Bhadrak, Balasore, Jajpur, Angul, Dhenkanal, Boudh, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Koraput, Malkangiri, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari stated that Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force personnel have been deployed in vulnerable areas. National Disaster Response Force teams will arrive by Tuesday. Fire service personnel have also been sent to potential cyclone-affected regions.

Rescue Operations

Pujari confirmed that rescue teams will be stationed in vulnerable areas before the cyclone's arrival. The Centre has allocated a helicopter for rescue operations. The helicopter will be stationed at the government hangar by October 23.

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja informed Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan about the state's preparedness via video conferencing. In West Bengal, heavy rain is expected in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and Jhargram districts on October 24 and 25.

The Met Office also predicts heavy rain in Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purulia, and Bankura districts during this period.