Cyclone Dana Causes School Closures in Odisha
The Odisha government has announced the closure of schools in 14 districts from October 23 to October 25 due to Cyclone Dana. The affected districts include Ganjam, Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Angul, Khurda, Nayagarh, and Cuttack. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rainfall and strong winds as the cyclone is expected to make landfall on October 24.
Weather Predictions and Warnings
The IMD has forecasted that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal will intensify into Cyclone Dana by October 23. It is expected to reach the northwest Bay of Bengal by October 24 and cross the Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island. Wind speeds could reach 100-110 kmph, with gusts up to 120 kmph.
Precautionary Measures
In response to the cyclone, the Office of Special Relief Commissioner has ordered school closures as a precaution. A red alert has been issued for the coastal districts of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, Balasore, and Bhadrak for October 24. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea until October 25.
Government Preparedness
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, held a meeting to review the state’s preparedness for Cyclone Dana.
Doubts Revealed
Cyclone Dana -: Cyclone Dana is a powerful storm with strong winds and heavy rain. It is named ‘Dana’ to identify it among other cyclones. Cyclones can cause damage to buildings and trees, and can lead to flooding.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state located on the eastern coast of India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and beautiful beaches. The state often experiences cyclones due to its coastal location.
India Meteorological Department -: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is a government agency that studies weather patterns in India. It provides forecasts and warnings about weather events like cyclones, rain, and heatwaves.
Red alert -: A red alert is a warning issued by authorities to indicate a very high risk of severe weather. It means people should be prepared for dangerous conditions and follow safety instructions.
Fishermen advised to avoid the sea -: Fishermen are people who catch fish for a living. During a cyclone, the sea becomes very rough and dangerous, so they are advised to stay on land to stay safe.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state. They make important decisions and ensure the safety and well-being of the people in their state.
Disaster Management Minister -: The Disaster Management Minister is responsible for planning and coordinating efforts to handle emergencies like cyclones. They work to keep people safe and minimize damage during such events.