Tue Oct 22 17:21:40 UTC 2024: **Cyclone Dana Latest News Updates Summary:**
– **Red Alert Issued**: The Meteorological Department has issued a red alert for West Bengal and Odisha due to Cyclone Dana, forecasted to pass over coastal areas like Sagar Dwip in Bengal and Puri in Odisha on the night of October 24, with winds expected to reach 100-110 km/h.
– **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 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura, Hooghly, Howrah, and Kolkata.
– **Preparations Underway**: CM Mamata Banerjee stated that the state administration is fully prepared for the cyclone, with specific focus on the coastal districts. Fishermen have been advised against going out to sea.
– **Emergency Teams Deployed**: Odisha has also declared a red alert, closed educational institutions, canceled an official presidential visit, and suspended government employee leaves. 17 teams from the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) have been deployed.
– **Evacuation Measures**: District authorities have been instructed to evacuate residents from low-lying areas to safety. The state has also suspended ferry services in coastal regions until the situation stabilizes.
– **Government Oversight**: The Chief Minister has assigned senior officials to monitor disaster preparedness in the most affected districts, emphasizing the need for relief material and help for local populations.
– **Cabinet Meeting**: A cabinet meeting is scheduled for October 24, where ministers have been advised to stay in their districts during the cyclone to assist affected residents.
– **Current Weather Situation**: The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rain and high winds, particularly affecting South 24 Pargana, North 24 Pargana, and East Medinipur districts.
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