Odisha is on high alert as Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, is expected to make landfall between Bhitarakanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Kendrapada district. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast that the cyclone will intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm,” bringing heavy rainfall and wind speeds reaching up to 157 km/h in some areas.
The landfall is expected on the night of October 24, 2024, with districts like Kendrapada, Bhadrak, Jagatsinghpur, and Balasore facing the brunt of the cyclone. Precautionary evacuations are already underway, with nearly 10 lakh residents being relocated from low-lying areas to cyclone shelters
The IMD has issued a red warning for Kendrapada and surrounding coastal districts, with expectations of extremely heavy rainfall (more than 19 mm Rain in Next 24 hours) on October 24 and 25. Residents are advised to stay indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and refrain from going near the coast
The state government has mobilized disaster response teams, including 20 NDRF units, and is working to minimize damage and ensure zero casualties, a target set by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.