Odisha Braces for Cyclone Dana's Fury

Cyclone Dana is poised to strike the Odisha-West Bengal coast, intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm. Authorities have evacuated vulnerable areas, with the storm expected to make landfall on October 24-25, bringing heavy rain and high winds. State and national rescue teams remain on high alert.

The cyclonic storm "Dana" is set to hit the Odisha-West Bengal coast, with landfall anticipated between October 24 and 25. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that Dana has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal.

Local authorities have initiated evacuations of residents from vulnerable areas, including Dhamra and Bhadrak in Odisha. Director of IMD, Manorama Mohanty, informed ANI, "The cyclone has become a severe storm, moving northwestward at 12 km/hr in the last six hours, and is currently over the central and adjoining northwest Bay of Bengal. It will make landfall between midnight and early morning on October 25, with crossing wind speeds of 100 to 110 km/hr. Heavy rain and rising wind speeds are expected in the capital city tonight."

In Bhadrak, assistant fisheries officer Sandeep Kumar Behera confirmed that 911 registered boats and 10 FLCs have been secured at the landing center, with a ban on fishing until October 26. Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi conducted a meeting to review preparations, emphasizing the government's focus on districts like Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Puri. NDRF teams are on standby, supported by the Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.

(With inputs from agencies.)