Cyclone Dana: Odisha schools closed. When and where is it expected to make landfall?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal may develop into Cyclone Dana by October 23, with landfall expected between Puri in Odisha and Sagar Island in West Bengal on the night of October 24.

Fishermen shift their boats in preparations for Cyclone Dana in Puri on Monday.

Odisha’s director general of police, Sudhansu Sekhar Sadangi has confirmed that the police are fully prepared to manage any situations arising from the storm.

“We are monitoring the cyclone’s path, whether it will impact Bangladesh or Odisha. Our actions will depend on its trajectory, but preparations are currently in place,” Sadangi told reporters.

Sadangi mentioned that they are trying to bring back the fishermen who have gone into the sea. By tomorrow, they will know which districts are likely to be affected, and their course of action will depend on that, the officer said.

What we know so far about Cyclone Dana:

1. Odisha chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has said the state government is thoroughly prepared to address any challenges posed by Cyclone Dana.
2. The government has formulated a plan for the complete evacuation of vulnerable areas, with teams from the NDRF, ODRAF, and fire services on standby.
3. Three districts such as Kendrapara, Balasore, and Bhadrak are expected to be the most affected areas by the cyclone.
4. Basic advisories have been issued to all agricultural officers and district collectors to ensure readiness for the quick evacuation of any rainwater that accumulates.
5. Energy grids and emergency transmission towers in districts likely to be affected by Cyclone Dana are under close monitoring.
6. Cyclone shelters will be stocked with all necessary supplies and essential commodities.
7. The IMD has issued a red warning for heavy to very heavy rainfall of 7 to 20 cm, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, along with thunderstorms and lightning in the districts of Puri, Khurda, Ganjam, and Jagatsinghpur on October 24.
8. Special relief commissioner DK Singh has directed the school and mass education department to close schools in 14 districts likely to be affected from October 23 to 25 as a precautionary measure.
9. The met office has forecasted heavy rain for West Bengal’s coastal districts including Purba and Paschim Medinipur, as well as North and South 24 Parganas on October 23.
10. The inauguration of the ₹450 crore modern passenger terminal at Petrapole on the Indo-Bangladesh border, originally set for October 23 with home minister Amit Shah has been postponed due to the impending Cyclone Dana.