Dana gets ‘Severe Cyclone’ tag, to make landfall on Odisha coast between Puri and Sagar Islands

At landfall, Cyclone Dana will likely bring wind speeds ranging from 100 to 120 kilometers per hour

NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services deployed; Centre dispatches helicopter for relief operations

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, Oct. 22: Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, is on course to make landfall along the Odisha coast between Puri and Sagar Islands late on October 24 or early the following morning, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The cyclone is expected to bring wind speeds of 100-120 km/h and heavy rainfall, putting coastal regions on high alert.

IMD Director General Dr. Mrutyunjaya Mohapatra stated, “The low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal is intensifying and is expected to develop into a cyclonic storm by October 23. It will likely move northwestward, reaching the northwestern Bay of Bengal near the Odisha-West Bengal coastline by October 24, triggering heavy rainfall and gusty winds in the region.”

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi convened an emergency meeting in Bhubaneswar to review the state’s readiness for Cyclone Dana. The Chief Minister emphasized the state’s commitment to ensuring zero casualties and directed officials to expedite evacuations from high-risk areas. “Our priority is the safety of the people. We aim to evacuate everyone from sensitive zones before the storm hits,” he said.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and the state’s fire services have been deployed to vulnerable coastal districts. Additionally, the central government has agreed to provide a helicopter to assist with relief and rescue operations.

Odisha is likely to experience heavy to extremely heavy rainfall beginning on October 23, with the intensity increasing over the following days. IMD’s Regional Centre Director, Manorama Mohanty, said the peak impact is expected on October 24 and 25, particularly in coastal areas.

 The IMD has issued a ‘Yellow Warning’ for districts including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Gajapati on October 23. A ‘Red Warning’ has been issued for Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur for October 24 and 25, indicating severe weather conditions in these areas.

The state government has urged residents to remain calm but vigilant. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that extensive preparations are underway across all 30 districts, with ODRAF teams pre-positioned for swift deployment. “There is no need for panic. We are closely monitoring the situation and have mobilized all necessary resources,” the minister said.

The Odisha government has canceled all employee leaves, directing officials to remain on duty at their respective locations to manage the situation. District Collectors have been authorized to decide on school closures based on local conditions, while fishermen have been instructed to return to shore immediately.

Reports indicate that farmers in cyclone-prone districts have begun harvesting their paddy crops early to avoid damage. In some areas, particularly in Balasore, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Jagatsinghpur, pregnant women and elderly citizens have already been moved to safer locations as a precaution.

The government has also warned businesses against engaging in black-market activities during this critical period, stating that strict action will be taken against those found guilty of price gouging.