Cyclone Dana Update: Odisha and Bengal on High Alert, Flights and Trains Cancelled

The cyclonic storm "Dana" is set to make landfall along the coasts of Odisha and West Bengal today, October 24, as per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). The storm is expected to bring winds reaching speeds of 120 to 130 km/h, causing severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds in both states.

High Alert and Transport Disruptions
In light of the approaching storm, a red alert has been issued for both Odisha and West Bengal. Authorities have suspended all flight operations at Kolkata Airport from this evening. Additionally, over 150 trains have been cancelled across the region as a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.

Heavy Rainfall Expected in Several Districts
According to the IMD, the districts of Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Jagatsinghpur, Keonjhar, Jajpur, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Khorda, and Puri in Odisha are expected to witness extremely heavy rainfall due to Cyclone Dana. The heavy downpour is expected to persist through tomorrow, further complicating recovery efforts.

In West Bengal, the storm is forecasted to cause torrential rainfall in South and North 24 Parganas, East and West Medinipur, Jhargram, Howrah, Hooghly, Kolkata, and Bankura districts on October 24 and 25. The IMD has warned of potential flooding and waterlogging in low-lying areas.

Impact Beyond Odisha and Bengal
The effects of Cyclone Dana are also anticipated to be felt in parts of Jharkhand and Bihar, where heavy rainfall has been predicted. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in the coastal and vulnerable areas of both Odisha and Bengal, conducting evacuations and advising residents to stay away from high-risk zones.

As the storm approaches, authorities continue to urge people to remain indoors and stay updated with official advisories to ensure their safety.