Cyclone Dana: Severe Impact Looms Over East India

Cyclonic storm 'Dana' intensified over the Bay of Bengal, prompting warnings and cancellations in India. It is expected to evolve into a severe storm, striking between Odisha and West Bengal with wind speeds up to 120 kmph by October 25. Authorities have mobilized resources for emergency response.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that a deep depression over east-central Bay of Bengal has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Dana'. This development on Wednesday morning marks a significant weather event.

The storm is projected to move northwest, strengthening into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal, and is set to hit the Odisha-West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island in the early hours of October 25, with potential wind speeds reaching up to 120 kmph.

In response, authorities have issued warnings, advising fishermen to avoid the sea from October 23 to 25, with wind speeds expected to escalate from 60 kmph to potentially 120 kmph. Moreover, over 150 trains scheduled through the South Eastern Railway zone have been canceled, and emergency teams, including the ICG and NDRF, have been deployed to manage contingencies. Heavy rainfall is forecasted across several districts, including Kolkata, from October 24 to 25.

(With inputs from agencies.)