Thu Oct 24 06:01:21 UTC 2024: **Cyclone Dana Live Updates Summary:**

1. **Location and Impact**: Cyclone Dana is approaching coastal Odisha, expected to make landfall early on October 25, with heavy rains and thunderstorms anticipated. It threatens to impact nearly half of Odisha’s population.

2. **Evacuation Efforts**: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that only 30% of the targeted 10 lakh people from the identified ‘danger zones’ have been evacuated as of Wednesday evening. Evacuations are ongoing.

3. **Landfall Forecast**: According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Dana is predicted to hit between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port with wind speeds reaching up to 120 km/h. The landfall may begin on the night of October 24.

4. **Weather Conditions**: Odisha and parts of West Bengal are experiencing heavy rains and rough sea conditions as Dana approaches, with a tidal surge expected to reach up to 2 meters.

5. **Preparedness and Rescue Operations**: Armed forces and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams are on standby, and the Bhadrak district administration is evacuating vulnerable individuals to cyclone shelters.

6. **Flight Operations**: Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar will suspend operations for 16 hours starting from October 24 evening; Kolkata airport will suspend operations for 15 hours from 6 PM on the same day.

7. **Governor’s Statement**: West Bengal Governor CV Anand Bose expressed solidarity with affected people, encouraging them to adhere to government guidelines.

8. **Operational Readiness**: IMD confirmed that areas like Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore will face wind speeds of 100-110 km/h during the landfall, along with extremely heavy rainfall.

In summary, Cyclone Dana poses a significant threat to the coastal regions of Odisha and West Bengal, with ongoing evacuation processes, severe weather expectations, and heightened preparedness from local authorities and emergency services.

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