Odisha, Bengal brace for Cyclone Dana: Schools shut, 150 trains cancelled

Cyclonic storm expected to make landfall on Oct 25 with winds up to 120 km/h

As Odisha and West Bengal prepare for Cyclone Dana, which has intensified from a deep depression over the Bay of Bengal, precautionary measures are being implemented across both states. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has confirmed that the cyclone is expected to cross the coasts between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h.

In anticipation of the storm, schools, colleges, and universities have been closed in 14 districts of Odisha. Additionally, over 150 trains scheduled to operate through the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction have been cancelled. These cancellations affect trains departing between October 23 and 25, with the possibility of more being cancelled depending on the evolving situation.

At 5:30 am today, Cyclone Dana was located 560 km southeast of Paradip in Odisha and 630 km south-southeast of Sagar Island in West Bengal. The IMD has warned fishermen to refrain from venturing into the sea from October 23 to 25 due to anticipated wind speeds gradually increasing from 60 km/h to 100-110 km/h, gusting to 120 km/h by the night of October 24.

The Indian Coast Guard has mobilized its vessels and aircraft to ensure a swift response to any emergency situations arising from the storm. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already deployed 13 teams across south Bengal to assist with any contingencies.

Heavy rainfall is expected in southern Bengal districts, particularly on October 24 and 25, with warnings of extremely heavy downpours in areas including South 24 Parganas, Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur, and Jhargram. The IMD predicts that Kolkata, Howrah, Hooghly, North 24 Parganas, Purulia, and Bankura will also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall during this period.

Authorities are urging residents to stay alert and take necessary precautions as Cyclone Dana approaches the region.

For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.

The post Odisha, Bengal brace for Cyclone Dana: Schools shut, 150 trains cancelled appeared first on PGurus.