Severe Cyclonic Storm to Impact Bengal and Odisha with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds

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

Fishermen have been advised against venturing into the sea from 23 to 25 October. Wind speeds along the Odisha-West Bengal coasts are predicted to reach 60 kmph from Wednesday, escalating to 100-110 kmph with gusts up to 120 kmph from the night of 24 October until the morning of 25 October.

Weather Warnings and Precautions

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts that the system will likely cross between Puri and Sagar Island as a severe cyclonic storm on the night of 24 October or early morning of 25 October. Wind speeds are expected to be between 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph.

A red warning has been issued for heavy to very heavy rainfall, ranging from 7 to over 20 cm, with thunderstorms and lightning in Odisha's Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur districts on 24 October. Schools in 14 districts will remain closed from 23 to 25 October as a precautionary measure.

Impact on Events and Travel

In West Bengal, heavy rain is forecasted for coastal districts such as Purba and Paschim Medinipur and North and South 24 Parganas on 23 October. The inauguration of a Rs 450 crore passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border has been postponed due to the cyclone threat.

President Droupadi Murmu's planned three-day visit to Odisha starting Wednesday has also been postponed. Her itinerary included visits to Bangriposi, Uparbeda, Rairangpur, Puri, and Bhubaneswar. Tourists in Puri have been urged to leave before the cyclone's expected arrival on the night of 24 October or morning of 25 October.

Government Preparedness and Response

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has instructed officials to ensure complete evacuation from areas likely to be affected by the cyclone. He emphasised stocking adequate food, water, and medicines in cyclone shelters and assured that the state is fully prepared for any eventuality.

The Chief Minister also directed district collectors in Puri and Jagatsinghpur to ensure fishermen return safely before the cyclone hits. Eleven fishermen from these districts are currently at sea. The state's goal is "Zero Casualty" during Cyclone Dana.

Warnings for Other Regions

The IMD has issued an orange warning for heavy rainfall between 7 and 20 cm with thunderstorms in Kendrapada, Cuttack, Nayagarh, Kandhamal, and Gajapati districts. A yellow warning for heavy rainfall between 7 and 11 cm has been given 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 are expected by Tuesday. Fire service personnel have also been dispatched to potential cyclone-affected regions.

"The rescue and relief teams will be present in vulnerable areas before the cyclone hits," said Pujari. The Centre has allocated a helicopter for rescue operations, which will be stationed at the government hangar by 23 October.

Rainfall Predictions for West Bengal

In West Bengal, extremely heavy rain is anticipated in Purba and Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, and Jhargram districts on 24 and 25 October. Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purulia, and Bankura districts are also expected to experience heavy rainfall during this period.

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja informed Cabinet Secretary TV Somananthan about the state's preparedness through video conferencing. The state is taking all necessary measures ahead of Cyclone Dana's arrival.