Cyclone Dana to Hit Odisha-WB Coast Between Puri And Sagar Island On October 24-25 : IMD

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in a cyclone review meeting conducted on Monday stressed on government's commitment to ensure zero casualty

Bhubaneswar: Cyclonic storm Dana is expected to make landfall between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal between the night of October 24 and early morning of October 25, with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The system, currently a well-marked low-pressure area over the east-central Bay of Bengal, is likely to intensify into a depression by October 22 and further strengthen into a cyclonic storm by October 23.

"The Low Pressure Area over the East-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea moved west-north-westwards and lay as Well marked low pressure area over east-central Bay of Bengal at 1130 hours IST of today, the 21st October 2024. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression by 22nd October morning and into a cyclonic storm by 23rd October, 2024 over east-central Bay of Bengal. Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach northwest Bay of Bengal off Odisha-West Bengal coasts by 24th October morning. Continuing to move northwestwards, it is very likely to cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island during night of 24th and early morning 25th October, 2024 as a severe Cyclonic Storm with a wind speed of 100-110 kmph gusting 120 kmph," the IMD stated in a post on X.

The low-pressure area that formed over the east-central Bay of Bengal and adjoining north Andaman Sea this morning is expected to move west-northwestwards, according to the IMD. It is predicted to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by the morning of October 24. Earlier in the day, the IMD issued a special bulletin stating that the upper air cyclonic circulation over the North Andaman Sea had intensified into a low-pressure system. The system is likely to continue its northwestward movement, gradually intensifying into a depression by October 22 and into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal.

CM Reviews Readiness

Conducting a review meeting on the preparedness for cyclone Dana on Monday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi assured that the government is committed to ensure zero casualty. "We have made all arrangements for safe evacuation of people from low lying sensitive areas. All the district collectors are on alert mode to handle eventuality," he said. Sufficient dry ration has been stored in cyclone shelters to feed people and the NDRF and ODRAF teams are in all preparedness to start restoration works once the cyclone passes off, the CM further added.

He expressed concern over the presence of 11 fishing boats in the sea even after the warnings. While Puri has two boats, Jagatsinghpur has nine. He instructed the respective district administrations to make sure the fishermen return to the shores immediately. He also asked the secretary of Fisheries and Animal Resources Department Suresh Kumar Vashishth to monitor the situation.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari who was also a part of the review meeting, said we would urge the tourists in Puri to return home immediately. "Those who cannot return, we will make arrangements for their safe evacuation to shelters. The 'Habishyalis' will also be shifted to safe locations. We will request tourists not to visit Puri on October 24 and 25 in view of the cyclone," the minister stated.

Odisha on High Alert

The Office of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has activated a 24-hour control room to monitor the possible cyclone threat. Senior IAS officers will be dispatched to the affected districts to coordinate the response. Plans are being finalized to deploy NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services to high-risk areas, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Ganjam, and Gajapati. Relief teams will begin moving out by Monday evening. District officials are set to review the situation and submit reports by the afternoon. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari chaired a crucial meeting on Monday to assess the preparedness and provide further assistance.

Pujari instructed the state administration to be fully prepared for the potential impact of Cyclone Dana, urging citizens not to panic. He assured the public that updates on the storm and associated rainfall will be provided a regular intervals. He held discussions with officials from various departments, directing ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Services to stay on high alert. District Magistrates have been instructed to ensure storm shelters are ready.

Rainfall Activity and Wind Speed

Scientist and head of Regional Meteorological Centre in Bhubaneswar Maonorama Mohanty stated that the coastal districts of Odisha, on October 23, will face rainfal with a wind speed of 40-50 km per hour gusting to 60 km/h. " Rainfall will increase on October 24 and 25 under the impact of the low pressure induced storm with a eind speed of 100-110 km/h gusting to 120km/h. "We would urge everyone in the coastal districts not to venture out when the weather turns rough and take precaution," she stated.

Heavy rain is expected to begin in northern, coastal, and interior Odisha from October 23, with rainfall amounts increasing over the next two days. On October 24, a red warning has been issued for Mayurbhanj, Cuttack, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Balasore, and Jajpur districts due to anticipated rainfall of 20-30 cm. An orange alert is in place for Puri, Nayagarh, Khurda, Dhenkanal, Angul, Keonjhar, and Ganjam districts. Further, a yellow warning has been issued for several districts, including Sambalpur, Boudh, Rayagada, Jharsuguda, and Kandhamal, the centre head stated.

Government Issues Warnings on Black Market Practices

Meanwhile, Food Supplies Minister Krushnachandra Patra has issued a warning against black market activities during the cyclone. He raised concerns about the potential for black market activities during the cyclone, warning traders that the government will take strict measures to prevent stockpiling and price rise of essential goods. “We will not tolerate black marketing, and stock points will be closely monitored. Violators will face severe consequences,” the minister stated.

Balasore Preparedness

The Balasore district administration is prepared to evacuate stranded individuals if necessary, according to District Emergency Officer Saikrushna Jena. “We have warned fishermen through public announcements, and our sea friends are guiding them to stay away from the sea for the next five days,” Jena stated. He assured that all departments, including the BDO, tehsildar, Tata Power officials, and the medical staff are on standby. “We have two ODRAF teams and one NDRF team ready for mobilization. If needed, we will begin the evacuation process from coastal areas, blocks, and village panchayats,” Jena added.

Balasore district has 140 cyclone shelters, with schools also being converted into shelters, totaling around 600 safe spaces. Special attention is being given to vulnerable coastal areas. Jena said while there is no need to panic, the public must stay alert and aware. “If anything comes our way, we are ready to deal with it,” he reassured. The district administration has coordinated with PRI members, ensuring that all are on alert to respond quickly in case of emergency.

Cuttack Gears Up

The Cuttack district administration is preparing to handle heavy rains and potential flooding in the city. ODRAF and NDRF teams have been mobilized, and 290 water pumps are ready to tackle any waterlogging. Block officers have been instructed to ensure safety measures, and evacuation plans are in place for vulnerable areas. Meanwhile, concerns over price hikes of essential goods due to the impending storm have surfaced, with reports of black market activities in some areas. The district administration has warned traders against inflating prices, with strict action promised against violators, said Cuttack collector Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde.

Leave Cancelled

Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo has assured preparedness by the agriculture and energy departments to meet with any eventuality. "The officials are ready to chip in as and when needed. Leave of all line department officials has been cancelled till further orders," the Deputy CM said.

Preparations in Kendrapara

Kendrapada Collector Smrutranjan Pradhan said with over 2,500 fishing boats in the district, fishermen have been ordered to return to shore this morning, and efforts are underway to bring back those still at sea by evening. Eight locations across the district have been designated for monitoring, with sea rescue teams on duty for eight-hour shifts. To ensure safety, 17 cyclone shelters are being identified and equipped with sanitation, toilet facilities, drinking water, and electricity. Each shelter will host a health unit staffed with two paramedics for five days, along with essential medicines. If needed, more than 500 additional storm shelters are ready to be activated.

Currently, two and a half quintals of rice have been secured at four distribution points, with plans to deliver rice to all areas by tomorrow morning. "We have been instructed to be prepared, and if necessary, cooked food will be provided on the evenings of the 22nd and 23rd," said the District Collector.

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