Tue Oct 22 16:06:43 UTC 2024: ### Summary of Cyclone Dana News Article:
1. **Red Alert Issued**: The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for West Bengal and Odisha due to Cyclone Dana, which is expected to pass over coastal areas of Sagar Island (Bengal) and Puri (Odisha) on the night of October 24, with wind speeds of 100-110 km/h.
2. **School Closures**: The West Bengal government has decided to close all schools and colleges in nine districts from October 23 to 26 as a precautionary measure. The affected districts include North and South 24 Paraganas, East and West Midnapore, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata.
3. **Administrative Preparedness**: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the state administration is fully prepared to handle the cyclone and will not take any risks. Fishermen are advised to not venture into the sea, and continuous announcements are being made in coastal areas for public awareness.
4. **Emergency Response Teams**: Odisha has also issued a red alert, closed educational institutions, and canceled the President’s scheduled visit. 17 teams of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed.
5. **Evacuation Plans**: District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police have been directed to evacuate people living in low-lying areas to safer locations.
6. **Shelter and Relief**: Adequate relief supplies have been arranged for the vulnerable districts, and state and national disaster response forces (SDRF and NDRF) are on standby.
7. **Cabinet Meeting**: A cabinet meeting is scheduled on October 24, and ministers have been instructed to remain in their districts to assist during the cyclone instead of attending the meeting.
8. **Travel Advisory**: Tourists have been advised against traveling to Puri on October 24 and 25 due to the impending cyclone.
This summary outlines the critical responses and measures being implemented in light of Cyclone Dana’s anticipated impact on West Bengal and Odisha.