Introduction
Cyclone Dana, which escalated to a severe cyclonic storm last midnight, is currently impacting the eastern region of India. The storm is moving north-northwestward and poses a significant threat to the coastal areas of Odisha and West Bengal. With winds expected to reach speeds of 100-110 kmph, gusting up to 120 kmph, authorities are preparing for heavy to extremely heavy rainfall. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings across multiple districts, urging residents to stay alert.
Cyclone Dana’s Current Status and Path
As of the latest update, Cyclone Dana is located:
- 260 km southeast of Paradip, Odisha
- 350 km south-southeast of Sagar Island, West Bengal
The cyclone is moving at a speed of 12 kmph over the past six hours. It is expected to make landfall between the coasts of north Odisha and West Bengal, specifically between Puri and Sagar Island, from midnight on October 24 to the morning of October 25. The IMD predicts that the cyclone will bring severe weather conditions, including strong winds and heavy rainfall.
IMD’s Warnings and Alerts
IMD Director Manorama Mohanty has issued the following alerts:
- Red Warning (Extreme Caution): Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected in Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, and Cuttack districts. Residents are advised to stay indoors and secure their property.
- Orange Alert (High Caution): Puri, Khordha, Nayagarh, Keonjhar, and Dhenkanal are likely to experience significant rainfall and strong winds. Precautionary measures should be taken.
- Yellow Warning (Moderate Caution): Sundargarh, Deogarh, Angul, Boudh, Kandhamal, Ganjam, Jharsuguda, and Sambalpur may experience moderate rainfall and gusty winds.
Potential Impacts
The storm is expected to cause:
- Flooding and Waterlogging: Heavy rainfall could lead to waterlogging in urban areas and flash floods in low-lying regions.
- Damage to Infrastructure: Strong winds may damage power lines, uproot trees, and disrupt communication networks.
- Impact on Agriculture: With crops ready for harvest, especially paddy, there could be significant agricultural losses in affected areas.
Preparation and Safety Measures
Authorities have taken several precautionary steps:
- Evacuations: Coastal communities are being evacuated to safer locations.
- Emergency Services on Alert: Disaster response teams and relief measures are being prepared to respond to any emergencies.
- Public Advisory: The IMD advises people to avoid traveling during the storm, secure loose objects, and follow instructions from local authorities.
Conclusion
Cyclone Dana's intensification into a severe cyclonic storm presents a serious threat to the eastern coastal regions of India. As it nears landfall, the combination of strong winds and heavy rainfall could result in widespread disruptions. Authorities and residents are advised to remain vigilant, and stay tuned for further updates from the IMD.
No comments: