Sangbad Voice 9, Kolkata Bureau: The deep depression
hovering over the Bay of Bengal has escalated into a cyclonic storm, aptly
named Dana. According to the India Meteorological Department, this formidable
system is anticipated to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West
Bengal as a severe cyclonic storm between October 24 and 25. With wind speeds
projected to reach 100-110 km per hour, gusts could potentially soar to 120 km
per hour, heralding significant challenges for the region
As the deep
depression swirling over the Bay of Bengal escalated into a cyclonic storm on
Wednesday morning, it is poised to further intensify into a severe cyclonic
storm by Thursday. In anticipation of the impending tempest, the governments of
West Bengal and Odisha are mobilizing resources to confront the potential
adversities. Flight operations at Kolkata Airport are set to be suspended from
6:00 PM on October 24 until 9:00 AM on October 25, a precautionary measure in
light of the cyclone's forecasted heavy winds and torrential rainfall. The
Eastern and South Eastern Railways have already cancelled over 150 trains
scheduled for October 24 and 25.
In
West Bengal, schools have been shuttered: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee
announced that educational institutions will remain closed in seven districts
from October 23 to 26 as a precautionary measure. "We do not wish to take
any risks. Schools and colleges are sometimes repurposed as shelters for those
in need," she stated. The districts in West Bengal anticipated to bear the
brunt of the cyclone include South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba
Medinipur, alongside coastal regions and adjacent districts such as Paschim
Medinipur, Bankura, Jhargram, and Hooghly.
In a
proactive response, the Odisha government has devised a plan to relocate more
than one million individuals across 14 districts to designated relief camps, as
articulated in an official statement. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi
has implored all MLAs to synchronize relief efforts, ensuring that provisions
for food, potable water, lighting, sanitation, and health services are
adequately arranged.
The
Indian Coast Guard has heightened its alert status, mobilizing vessels and
aircraft to ensure a swift response to any emergencies that may arise from the
anticipated deluge in both states. The ICG has deployed helicopters and remote
operating stations at Haldia in West Bengal and Paradip in Odisha, tasked with
disseminating regular weather updates and safety advisories to fishermen and
mariners. In light of the cyclone, more than 150 express and passenger trains
traversing the South Eastern Railway jurisdiction have been cancelled, while
the East Coast Railways has scrapped 198 trains originating from or passing
through Odisha.
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