India Braces for Cyclone Dana: Flights Grounded, Thousands Evacuated

India Suspends Flights as Cyclone Dana Nears

 “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don't panic, be safe and be careful.”

India Braces for Cyclone Dana: Mass Evacuations, School Closures & Travel Disruptions

Authorities in India are scrambling to evacuate approximately 1.5 million residents as Cyclone Dana bears down on the eastern states of Odisha and West Bengal, expected to make landfall on October 24.

In preparation for the impending storm, thousands of relief workers were deployed on October 23 to minimize Cyclone Dana's impact. Transportation networks have already been disrupted, with multiple trains and flights canceled.

The Indian Meteorological Department warns that a depression over the Bay of Bengal is poised to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by the evening of October 24, prompting urgent evacuation efforts.

Measures underway include:

Mass evacuation of 1.5 million residents

Temporary suspension of flights

Cancellation of trains and flights Deployment of relief workers

Cyclone Dana is bearing down on India's coastal regions with winds of approximately 62-72 miles per hour, prompting swift action from authorities to safeguard residents. Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, assured the public on Wednesday, October 23, that proactive measures are in place to protect those in the cyclone's path.

To mitigate the storm's impact, temporary relief camps have been established, providing essential amenities like food, water, and medical services. “We are fully prepared to deal with the storm. Don't panic, be safe and be careful,” Majhi urged citizens.

The cyclone made landfall on Thursday night, bringing heavy rain and strong winds to Odisha and West Bengal. Over 580,000 people have been evacuated in Odisha alone, with 385 rescue teams, including the National Disaster Response Force, deployed to assist with relief efforts. Neighboring West Bengal has also been affected, with over 240,000 people seeking shelter in relief camps.

Preparations and Evacuations:

Evacuations: Over 580,000 people relocated in Odisha; 240,000 in West Bengal

Relief Camps: Temporary camps set up with food, water, and medical services

Rescue Teams: 385 teams, including National Disaster Response Force, deployed

Cyclone Update:

Current Status: Severe cyclonic storm

Expected De-escalation: To cyclonic storm by 11:30 AM, then deep depression by evening, and depression by midnight

Mass evacuations are underway in Odisha and West Bengal as Cyclone Dana approaches. Over 1 million residents from 14 districts in Odisha and more than 300,000 people from West Bengal's coastal areas are being relocated to safety.

Authorities have mobilized officials and rescue teams, placing them on high alert. Precautionary measures include:

School closures in coastal regions Suspension of flight operations at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports (Oct 24 evening - Oct 25 morning)

Cancellation of over 200 trains

The extensive preparations aim to minimize disruption and ensure public safety as Cyclone Dana makes landfall.

Evacuation and Preparation Summary:

Evacuees: Over 1 million (Odisha), 300,000+ (West Bengal)

Affected Districts: 14 (Odisha)

Rescue Teams: On standby

School Closures: Coastal regions

Flight Operations: Halted (Bhubaneswar, Kolkata airports)

Train Cancellations: Over 200

As Cyclone Dana approaches, Indian authorities have warned fishermen to avoid venturing into the sea, and contingency plans are in place at Paradip port in Odisha to safeguard staff and nearby residents.

The weather department predicts “heavy to very heavy rainfall” along the coast within the next 24 hours, exacerbating the risk.

Odisha and West Bengal are prone to severe storms and cyclones annually. The region's history with devastating cyclones includes:

1999 Odisha cyclone: Over 10,000 fatalities

Last year's cyclone: At least 16 deaths across India and Bangladesh

Preparations for Cyclone Dana are informed by these tragic precedents.

Safety Measures and Weather Outlook:

Fishermen warned to stay ashore

Paradip port contingency plans activated

Heavy to very heavy rainfall expected

Cyclone history:

  

 1999: 10,000+ fatalities

    Last year: 16+ deaths