Cyclone Dana Weakens After Hitting Odisha Coast
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that Cyclone ‘Dana’ has weakened into a well-marked low-pressure area and is expected to become insignificant soon. The cyclone struck the Odisha coast on Friday, causing damage by uprooting trees and snapping power lines, and resulted in one fatality in West Bengal. The storm made landfall between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra with wind speeds of 100-110 kmph.
Efforts and Evacuations
Odisha Chief Minister reported that 4,431 pregnant women were moved to health centers, with 1,600 childbirths occurring safely. The situation is being monitored continuously. Eight lakh people have been evacuated, and electric wire restoration is ongoing despite challenges from continuous rain. Crops over 1.75 lakh hectares have been damaged, and the Budhabalanga River is flooded but below danger levels.
Security and Restoration
158 platoon police forces have been deployed for security in affected areas. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that there have been zero casualties and 90% of electricity damage has been restored. Government officials are working diligently, and damage reports are being collected.
Doubts Revealed
Cyclone Dana -: Cyclone Dana is a powerful storm that formed over the ocean and moved towards the land, specifically hitting the coast of Odisha, a state in India. Cyclones are like giant spinning storms with strong winds and heavy rain.
Odisha -: Odisha is a state located on the eastern coast of India. It is known for its rich culture, temples, and beautiful beaches. It often faces cyclones due to its location by the Bay of Bengal.
Low-pressure area -: A low-pressure area is a region where the atmospheric pressure is lower than the surrounding areas. It often leads to cloudy weather and can cause storms or cyclones to form or weaken.
Casualties -: Casualties refer to people who are injured or killed in an event like a storm or accident. In this case, zero casualties mean no one was hurt or killed during Cyclone Dana.
Landfall -: Landfall is when a storm or cyclone moves from the ocean onto the land. This is usually when the storm is most powerful and can cause the most damage.
Chief Minister -: The Chief Minister is the head of the government in an Indian state, similar to a principal in a school but for the whole state. They make important decisions and help manage the state during emergencies like cyclones.
Platoon police forces -: A platoon is a group of police officers working together to maintain order and safety. In this context, 158 platoons are helping to keep people safe and secure during and after the cyclone.