Cyclone Dana Likely to Hit Odisha-West Bengal by October 24: IMD

A low-pressure area formed over the Bay of Bengal on Monday is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by October 23

Bhubaneswar: The cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea intensified into a low-pressure area on Monday and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). In a special bulletin, the IMD stated that the upper air cyclonic circulation observed on Sunday over the North Andaman Sea and adjoining Bay of Bengal has now formed into a low-pressure system over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the nearby North Andaman Sea early this morning.

“It is expected to move west-northwestwards, intensifying into a depression by October 22 morning and developing into a cyclonic storm by October 23 over the east-central Bay of Bengal,” the IMD stated. The system is predicted to continue its northwestward journey and is likely to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal, near the Odisha-West Bengal coast, by the morning of October 24.

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.

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.

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.