A severe cyclonic storm named ‘Dana’ is getting stronger in the Bay of Bengal and is moving towards the Odisha coast at 4 km per hour. It is expected to make landfall on the night of October 24-25, between Bhitarkanika and Bhadrak or Balasore. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the storm will intensify into a severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 100 to 110 km per hour, gusting up to 120 km per hour.
The government has begun evacuating people from areas that may be severely affected. Six IAS officers are in charge of relief and rescue operations in six districts. Schools, colleges, and universities in 14 districts will be closed for three days, and exams have been canceled. All doctors’ leaves are canceled, and hospitals are preparing with extra medicines. The East Coast Railways has canceled 198 trains for three days, and over 500 cyclone shelters with basic supplies are ready. The state has asked for more NDRF teams, and fishermen are banned from going to sea starting tomorrow.
