Thu Oct 24 08:30:58 UTC 2024: **Summary of Cyclone Dana Live Updates:**
– **Impact and Landfall**: Cyclone Dana is approaching the coastal regions of Odisha, with landfall expected between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port early on October 25. Wind speeds during landfall may reach 120 km/h, bringing heavy rainfall and a tidal surge of up to 2 meters.
– **Evacuations**: Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reported that as of Wednesday evening, only 30% of the targeted 1 million residents in the identified ‘danger zones’ have been evacuated. The evacuation will continue through Thursday morning, with more than 1.14 lakh people in West Bengal also evacuated.
– **Weather Alerts**: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a multi-hazard warning for Odisha, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected alongside strong winds. An ‘orange’ alert has been issued in parts of Jharkhand indicating significant rainfall.
– **Airport and Travel Disruptions**: Flight operations at airports in Bhubaneswar and Kolkata will be suspended from Thursday evening to early Friday morning due to the cyclone’s anticipated impact.
– **Emergency Preparations**: The Indian Navy and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on high alert for potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Invocations of public awareness campaigns are being conducted to ensure community preparedness against the storm.
– **Government Monitoring and Solidarity Statements**: Emergency meetings have been convened by state officials to ensure readiness. West Bengal Governor and other officials have expressed confidence in the community’s resilience and solidarity in facing the storm.
– **Weather Conditions**: As Cyclone Dana nears, coastal Odisha has begun experiencing rough sea conditions and heavy rain. The IMD reports that the cyclone has intensified and is currently moving northwestward.
– **Projected Weather Effects**: The IMD predicts that the cyclone will result in extremely heavy rainfall and winds gusting to 120 km/h, with the landfall expected to last several hours, affecting regions in both Odisha and West Bengal.
Overall, authorities are actively working to minimize the cyclone’s impacts and ensure the safety of residents as Cyclone Dana approaches landfall.
First Piper 