Cyclone Dana Hits Odisha and West Bengal
Landfall and Weather Conditions
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Cyclone Dana began making landfall between the nights of October 24 and 25. The cyclone is expected to continue its impact until the morning of October 25. It is located near latitude 20.5° N and longitude 87.1° E, approximately 50 km east-northeast of Paradip, 40 km south-southeast of Dhamara, and 160 km southwest of Sagar Island.
Expected Path and Impact
The cyclone is predicted to move north-northwestwards, crossing the north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island, close to Bhitarkanika and Dhamara. It is classified as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph. The landfall process is being monitored by the Doppler Weather Radar at Paradip.
Government Response and Evacuations
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is overseeing the situation from the State Emergency Control Room in Bhubaneswar. Heavy rain and strong winds have been reported in Bhadrak, Odisha. IMD Director Manorama Mohanty confirmed the cyclone’s movement and landfall process.
Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that over six lakh people have been evacuated to cyclone shelters, where they are receiving cooked food. Electricity and telecommunications have been temporarily shut down. Senior officers and ministers have been deployed to manage the situation.
Relief Efforts
State Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari mentioned that around 10 districts, including 60 blocks and 2131 villages, are likely to be affected. The evacuation process is nearly complete, with 377,000 people already moved to safety. A total of 7307 relief centers have been prepared, with 4756 already operational. Additionally, 6454 domestic animals have been relocated, and 213 medical teams along with 120 veterinary teams are in place to assist the evacuees.
Doubts Revealed
Cyclone Dana -: A cyclone is a big storm with strong winds and heavy rain. Cyclone Dana is the name given to this particular storm affecting Odisha and West Bengal.
Odisha and West Bengal -: Odisha and West Bengal are states in the eastern part of India. They are located near the Bay of Bengal, which is why they often experience cyclones.
Landfall -: Landfall is when the center of a storm, like a cyclone, moves from the sea onto the land. This is when the storm usually causes the most damage.
Evacuations -: Evacuations mean moving people from a dangerous place to a safer one. In this case, people are being moved to shelters to keep them safe from the cyclone.
Wind speeds of 100-110 kmph -: Wind speeds of 100-110 kmph means the wind is blowing very fast, at 100 to 110 kilometers per hour. This can cause a lot of damage to buildings and trees.
Shelters -: Shelters are safe places where people can stay during a disaster like a cyclone. They protect people from the strong winds and rain.
Electricity and telecommunications shut down -: Electricity and telecommunications being shut down means that there is no power or phone service. This is done to prevent accidents and damage during the cyclone.
Relief efforts -: Relief efforts are actions taken to help people affected by a disaster. This includes providing food, medical help, and safe places to stay.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in a state. Mohan Charan Majhi is the Chief Minister of Odisha, and he is responsible for making sure people are safe during the cyclone.
