Cyclone Dana: Low pressure formed over east-central Bay of Bengal, landfall expected by October 24

BHUBANESWAR: The cyclonic circulation over the Andaman Sea intensified into a low-pressure area at 5:30 am on Monday morning over the east-central Bay of Bengal and the adjoining North Andaman Sea. It is very likely to move west-northwestwards and intensify into a depression by October 22, Tuesday morning, and into a cyclonic storm by Wednesday over the east-central Bay of Bengal.
Thereafter, it is very likely to move northwestwards and reach the northwest Bay of Bengal off the Odisha-West Bengal coasts by October 24 morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin said. After taking the shape of a cyclone, it will be called Dana, as suggested by Qatar.
“We are monitoring the movement of the cyclone closely. It is likely to be a medium-impact cyclone with a wind speed of 100 to 120 km per hour when it crosses the coast. After the system intensifies into a depression, the path, intensity, and the exact place of landfall of the cyclone could be ascertained,” said Director of IMD’s Regional Centre at Bhubaneswar, Manorama Mohanty.
IMD has issued a red alert for four districts, including Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur, which are likely to witness heavy rainfall from October 23 to 25. The Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) has already asked district collectors to ensure necessary preparations in anticipation of rains or a cyclone.
The shelters in coastal districts must be kept ready with essential amenities like drinking water, electricity, and sanitation. If needed, people from low-lying areas will be relocated to higher places or cyclone shelters, SRC D K Singh said.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea, and those currently in the sea have been asked to return immediately. A 24-hour control room has already been made operational at the SRC office from Sunday. The Water Resources Department has also issued instructions to remain alert and review the situation. Pregnant women near delivery are advised to be taken to nearby hospitals.
Heads of departments from agriculture, fisheries, power, health, and family welfare informed about the preparedness measures of their respective departments to tackle the situation. Fire services, ODRAF, and NDRF teams will be deployed according to the SOP if necessary, especially in low-lying areas and block headquarters.
“To avoid any loss of life, the state is focusing on achieving zero casualties by maintaining preparedness and issuing timely alerts. District-level preparedness review will be held on Monday,” SRC mentioned.